Zumbahlen Trial Scheduled for June

A local man facing almost two dozen counts of child sex crimes is due to go on trial in June.

50-year-old James D. Zumbahlen of Effingham faces 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, seven counts of criminal sexual assault, and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.  Several of the counts are Class X felony, meaning mandatory prison time if convicted.

During a Wednesday court hearing, Zumbahlen's trial date was set for June 3.  A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for May 8.

David Rands of the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Service will serve as prosecutor on the case, while local attorney John Longwell will serve as defense counsel.

Zumbahlen was indicted on the charges by a grand jury, listing nine alleged victims by their initials, with one alleged victim as young as three years old.  Both boys and girls are among the alleged victims.  The indictment alleges the offenses occurred over a 20-year period between 1991 and 2011.

During Wednesday's hearing, Zumbahlen was granted permission to have phone communication and mail and jail visitation with his children, who are not named as victims in the case.

Zumbahlen is being held in Effingham County Jail under $1 million bond.