Metra Station Bomb Suspect Wants New Attorney in Illinois Case

Less than a month after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for setting off an explosive in Utah, James Zajac wants a new attorney to represent him on a similar charge in an Illinois federal court.

Zajac, 57 and formerly of Downers Grove, faces charges of leaving a pipe bomb at the Hinsdale Metra Station in September 2006. Federal prosecutors announced an indictment in that case a year ago this week. Zajac is also accused of threatening the Hinsdale police chief.

In recent court filings, Zajac requested a new attorney be appointed to his Illinois case because of a "complete breakdown in communication" with attorney Thomas Leinenweber. Zajac claims Leinenweber has refused to discuss case evidence and has ignored Zajac's suggestion on strategy. Records show Leinenweber is Zajac's second attorney to handle the Illinois charges.

Zajac was scheduled for a Thursday hearing, but it was not immediately clear whether the request was ruled on by Federal Judge Robert M. Dow Jr.

Last month, a federal judge in Utah sentenced Zajac to 35 years in prison for his conviction in the September 2006 explosion at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

Zajac has filed an appeal in that case, and is also seeking to have his lawyer replaced there because of an ongoing conflict between the pair, records show. No date is scheduled yet on the request.