Ex-investigator will get two separate trials

A decorated former law-enforcement officer will face only one of his accusers next month when he goes to trial on allegations he sexually assaulted an employee at his McHenry tavern in 2006.

A McHenry County judge ruled Friday that separate claims made by another woman that same night are not similar enough to the first to have both cases heard by the same jury.

The ruling is a victory for Leslie Lunsmann, whose defense claimed that county prosecutors wanted to link the second accuser -- an employee of the McHenry County State's Attorney's office -- with the first to make the defendant look bad before jurors.

"It's obvious to me that the state is trying to assassinate Mr. Lunsmann's character by bringing in allegations that have nothing to do (with the sex assault claims)," defense attorney Mark Gummerson said. "They're absolutely trying to prejudice the defendant."

Lunsmann, 51, of McHenry, faces charges of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, unlawful restraint and intimidation in connection with accusations a 24-year-old woman made against him in July 2006.

The woman, who worked at Lunsmann's Mulligan's Saloon, alleged the former law-enforcement officer locked her in an employee bathroom as she prepared to leave work that night, assaulted her then said he would kill her if she told anybody.

A second woman claims that later that night, Lunsmann approached her inside the bar, made a rude comment to her then rubbed against her and tried to grab her. He is charged with misdemeanor battery as a result.

McHenry County prosecutors hoped to try the two cases together, arguing Friday that they are similar enough to qualify for one trial.

"You're talking about offenses taking place on the same date, in the same location and in a similar manner," Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Michael Combs said.

Lunsmann, who is free on bond, is scheduled to face trial on the assault-related charges May 5. He could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison if found guilty of all charges.

Lunsmann is a former police officer who also worked as an investigator for the administration of former State's Attorney Gary Pack. During his career he won awards for establishing anti-gang programs in the county.