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Day 7: Bob Mayo Blogs The Cyril Wecht Federal Trial In Pittsburgh
POSTED: 10:22 am EST February 6,
2008
UPDATED: 4:00 pm EST February 6,
2008
Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo is covering the trial of Dr. Cyril Wecht at the federal courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh. He will be posting blogs as often as possible from court. These are the raw notes that were sent on his mobile device.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 8:30 a.m. update First witness of the day: Kate Creegan. Was in Exxon Mobil Research Club. Prosecution shows letter inviting Wecht to speak, then fax from coroner's office confirming details.There was an honorarium for talk. Invoice showed by prosecutor represents the amount.She would send it to Peter Gordon, an officer in the club at the time, and he would arrange payment.Did you receive this limousine receipt for payment for Dr. Wecht for this trip? Yes.Does this match the amount of payment? Yes.Next: hotel bill invoice submitted by Dr. Wecht.Is this the receipt for Dr. Wecht's air travel? Yes. Also passed to Gordon for payment. Picking him up at airport in New Jersey, taking him to airport in Philadelphia.How did that go? Not Well. She used her club charge card for his limo from hotel to Philadelphia. A case came up and he had to leave earlier than expected... from Philadelphia instead of New Jersey.Wilson shows invoice for limo ride.How far is it from the hotel to airport? A: An hour, hour and a half ride. Total amount $313 dollars, all trips between airports, hotels, etc. Club repaid her for her expense.Letter from Dr. Wecht, thanking you for arranging the limo ride and for some chocolate chip cookies. (She bakes for speakers because honorarium is not that much.)8:44 AM. Cross examination from defense attorney Mark Rush.Met with prosecution this morning. They showed her the receipts she had sent them.She got a letter from government telling her not to speak to anybody. Then another letter saying she could speak.Did you invite Dr. Wecht because of his article you read or because he was the coroner of Allegheny County. A: Because of the article.Your fees up to and including $40,000? At the time we invited Dr. Wecht we paid only $200. Since went to Exxon-Mobil and asked for more funding.Exxon-Mobil Club offered Dr. Wecht $3,000 and he accepted.When you select a speaker, what criteria are you looking for? She sees articles in paper, saves those topics that interest her.He did fine. It was a very popular talk. Tales from the Crypt.? Engaging, entertaining, knows how to draw a crowd? Yes. Well, spent (with expenses) about $4,100? Yes.He charged you $695 dollars for his round trip air fare? Yes. Mr. Gordon sent him payment, based on receipts. People can bring their spouses, children to the club's event.8:56 AM: redirect by prosecutor Jim Wilson.Zooms in on display of receipt. This is the amount you agreed to pay for the air fare? Yes.The date, Feb. 11, 2002, sent roughly a week after Dr. Wecht had spoken? Yes.8:58 Witness: Peter Gordon, research scientist at Exxon Mobil. He was president of the club. Separately incorporated in 1943. Organize dinner lectures for employees and retirees of company in New Jersey area. Do you recall extending an invitation to Dr. Wecht to speak to the club>? Yes. Evidence: the formal invitation. Invitation for Feb 5, 2002. Talks about a hotel in Warren, New Jersey. Creegan had discussed it with Wecht's executive secretary, Eileen. You indicate you'll cover all reasonable expenses a speakers incur. Coach, not first class. A good hotel, but not four star. It says generally speakers provide an itemized invoice, for which they reimburse.Got receipts for Dr. Wecht's expenses? Yes. Forward from Kate. Government shows invoice evidence. Air fare, limo trip, hotel bill, breakfast at airport -- $15, an example of one they would not require receipt for. Look at this invoice: appears to be invoice that has been paid. Had you ever dealt with Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency on Long Run Road in McKeesport? He assumed it was valid. Likewise, is this receipt your received for the limo? The ride in New Jersey was handled entirely by the club. Another document: Hotel expenses. Agreed to pay. Next: This is the thank you letter to Dr. Wecht, accompanied by check you just showed. February 27, 2002. Is your signature on this check? Yes. Did you have any reason to look behind those invoices, for their validity? No. It's fair to assume you authorized the payment based on the invoices you got? Yes.9:10 AM Cross examination by Mark Rush. Did you call the FBI about Dr. Wecht, or did the FBI call you? They called me. They told you that you were a victim? Yes. DI They have intimated that some of the charges we paid in these receipts may not be valid. They suggested the limo service in Pittsburgh and the air fare? Would about the amount? Was there a question about the amount. No. He believes there was some question of whether the travel agency actually exists. Never alleged that you were overcharged for air fare? They didn't get that specific.He's no longer an officer of the club. Still employed by Exxon Mobil.The honorarium was a figure she suggested, he didn't demand that. Did you attend the meeting? How did he do? He was fantastic.The internal limo charge (between airports and hotels in New Jersey, Philadelphia). Is $313 a reasonable figure? It sounds reasonable to me.First contact from FBI, a phone contact? Yes. You received this victim notification letter from the government, have you since asked Dr. Wecht for any reimbursement of how much you may be due? No. They just told you that you were a victim? Yes.Just that a Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency receipt was used? Yes.9:21 AM re-crossDo you have the faintest idea what the defendant actually paid for that (limo) trip. No.9:23 AM His testimony ends.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 9:24 a.m. update Next witness: June Stimmel.She's retired. Used to operate Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency, for approximately six years. Jan 1994 she acquired the business from Ronald Lombardo. She was working (operating the business) her husband, John Montgomery. It was located on Long Run Road, in McKeesport. Employed six or seven people. In June 1999 she closed the business. Her husband died May 5, 1999. Did not sell the business to another operator.Did you sell any tickets or travel to Cyril Wecht? Not to my knowledge. Did you do business with both business and leisure travelers? Yes. She would create documentation for them.Shows her invoices.Is this in fact a genuine invoice produced by company at any time? Did you submit to Dr. CH Wecht for payment? No.
Did you stamp it paid? No.
Sign it with initial RAL? No.
Know anyone with initials RAL? Ron Lombardo was the previous owner.
Did she employ an RAL? No.
Did she sign RAL on this invoice? No.Not valid from her time owning the business? No. Did not stamp it paid.Pay you $675 on this or any another date? No.Another invoice: August 1997. Is this genuine, produced at any time by your company? No. Did you stamp it paid or sign it? No.Another invoice: For round trip, Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. Did you submit. No. Stamp paid, sign? No.Another invoice: Round trip, Pittsburgh to DC, 1997. Is this a genuine travel invoice produced by your company at any time you were associated with it? No. Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".(The above count is approximate, but close.)The cities include Las Vegas, Boston, Miami.When did your agency close? 1999, June. In one case, Pittsburgh to Hartford, more than $900, more than a year after the business was closed.We're hearing about hundreds of dollars in airfare in each case. The later ones in the sequence are over a thousand dollars. Now we're into round trip receipts from a period more than two years after her business closed. Now, more than three years.Is this a genuine invoice produced by your company by any time you were operating it or associate with it? No.
Did you or anyone that worked for you cause it to be stamped paid and sign it? No.Miss Stimmel, did you ever meet the defendant? Yes. One time. At a book-signing at Duquesne University, in hopes of trying to get his account for the business. Got book signed, introduced themselves, talked. They never got the account.Government shows a picture of the signed book.(For about 10 minutes during her questioning, a constant, low-level, annoying feedback tone continued through the courtroom's sound system. The judge paused testimony and asked if anyone was using new electronic equipment. No one was. Later, he asked the attorneys and witness to move their microphones. The tone continued. Finally, someone asked someone sitting with the prosecution team to disconnect a speaker from that person's computer. The tone stopped. Defense attorney Jerry McDevitt said "your honor, let the record show it was..." from the prosecution table. There was some laughter in the courtroom, then the testimony resumed.)9:53 AM Cross-examination by Rush.Had Dr. Wecht (previously) been a customer of the business (before you owned it)? Yes.
That was why you went to the book signing to try get his business? Yes.Your testimony isn't that the amounts included on those invoices are incorrect? She doesn't know one way or the other.9:57 AM: Her testimony ends.9:58 AM: Next witness: Eleanor Johnson.She works at the Medical Examiner's office as a medical secretary. Types autopsy reports, general clerical duties, etc. Worked at coroner's office since 1991. From 1996 to 2005 when Wecht was last coroner, she was a medical secretary.Four medical secretaries were in the pool. Juanita Wilson, Kathy McCabe, Eve Popovich, herself. Annie Marbury was the supervisor.In her 17 years, has she become familiar with handwriting? Yes.
Ever type an autopsy report for Cyril Wecht? No.
She describes how she would handle requests histology slides from law enforcement, insurance companies, doctors, etc. Cost was $10 per slide. They would be payable to county treasurer. At one time there was no cost.Shows Feb 1996 document relating to slide work. That's when fee went from zero to $10 per slide. Wecht had become coroner in January of that year.10:09 AM cross examination by Mark Rush.She says Dr. Wecht was a great boss. Would take her and secretaries to restaurants for meals at his own expense. Very nice Christmas parties. Did he make sure there was food for the entire 24 shift? Yes. She believes there was.10:17 Her testimony ends.10:19 AM Next witness: Janice Fawcett . No one in the back of the courtroom could hear her name.Retired. Used to work as a histologist.Used to work at Central Medical Pavilion, which later became St. Francis Hospital. It's now closed. She started there in 1987 as a histologist. Wecht was director of the lab. Did you meet Mary Beth Bletner. She was Dr. Wecht's private secretary, not for the hospital.Her testimony describes procedures of her doing histology work for Wecht and her dealings with his private employees. When Saint Francis closed, the lab was still there and in use. She describes the specialized, costly equipment and materials involved. She acknowledges it would be expensive to open your own lab.10:43 Fifteen minute recess.10:58 AM Testimony resumes. (As you can see from the times noted, Judge Schwab runs his courtroom like clockwork.)Prosecution is going over documentation of payments made to Fawcett for private work she performed for him.Did Dr. Wecht make a request of you concerning George Hollis? Someone suggested she help him learn how to cut slides (learn how to be a histologist). He came to the lab a few times, but never came back. She doesn't know anything more about his training after that.11:07 AM Cross examination by McDevitt.You don't know anything about what training Mr. Hollis got after you met? No. Notes that at some point the whole lab facility at the Saint Francis site closed. When she first met Wecht, he was manager of the lab. It was a lab for the whole hospital, not just a histology lab. You're not aware of any arrangement Dr. Wecht had with the hospital concerning his private work being done there? No. Not privy to that? No. You haven't had any dealings with Dr. Wecht since 2001? No.11:13 AM Her testimony ends.11:15 AM Next witness: Theresa CirelloSupervisor of anatomic pathology at Butler Hospital since April, 2002. Tell jury what cytology is? The study of cells. You're looking for disease in cells. People are most familiar with PAP smears. Also fluids, aspirations, non-gynecological.Back in 2005: was the operation of the lab the same in size. No, grown in size since then.
In Spring 2005, Butler Hospital entered into an agreement with Wecht Pathology to do histology work? Yes.In 2003, we were looking for someone to help with the autopsies. I called various other facilities and at end of day, contracted with Joe Mancuso to do the autopsies for us. He would assist with the autopsies. When Joe called in the spring and said they needed some histology work, asked would we be interested. I said yes, we'd look at what it was going to pay. They negotiated the costs and entered into an agreement. He was representing Wecht Pathology.Did Butler Hospital entered into an agreement to do histology work for Wecht Pathology.Shows document. It says histology processing. It says a verbal agreement has been made to process our histology materials. Signature is Mr. Mancuso on behalf of Wecht Pathology. $9 per slide, $6 a slide for paraffin re-cuts.Shortly afterward there was an addendum to the agreement. There was a group of blocks that would come in in the $9 process, cutting and staining. They received blocks that needed to be re-embedded then cut. They'd charge $7.50 a slide for those. More labor involved.Volume of work? I couldn't get you an accurate number. Regular flow? This was to fill the empty time. It would come in spurts. Some weeks we would get several cases. Then there would be weeks when we had nothing. Many weeks.How would pickup work? I have a house in the South Hills. Mr. Mancuso would leave them at my house. When done he'd pick them up from my porch. There might be times when he'd come directly to the hospital.He'd physically just leave them on your porch? He'd call and she'd alert her husband or son.What sort of container? The tissue would be in cassettes, in a sealed container, in a bio-hazard bag. There would not be a big red bio-hazard bag on my porch. They'd be in a container.11:31 AM Cross examination by McDevitt.Contract dated April 20, 2005? Yes.You've known Mr. Mancuso for quite some time. She used to work in the coroner's office? 1980s. When Perper and Edberg were coroners.FBI agents earlier showed up unannounced. No word beforehand they had an interest in this. FBI Agent Orsini contacted you by phone later.After the agents showed up, did any of the people at the hospital begin to question whether the hospital should continue its relationship with Dr. Wecht?Prosecution: Objection.Judge: Sustained.Agent contacted her the next year, 2006.Q: Did he ask questions about the nature of your relationship with Joe Mancuso? A: Yes. It was a business relationship.Q: Were you offended by some of his questioning? A: Long pause. I --pause-- I think anytime an FBI agent calls you at work, it sets you back a little.Q: Were you offended by an innuendo of a relationship with Mr. Mancuso. A; Pause. I don't know how to answer that.Q: It was a business relationship. Yes.Did any people at the hospital describe Agent Orsini as scary? Government: Objection.Judge: Sustained.Questions establish business relationship with Wecht Pathology continues today. Good business relationship. Establishes that she had to talk to people at hospital who questioned the relationship after the FBI showed up. Yes. She showed it was a good business decision. She believes it is a good business decision.11:44 AM Her testimony ends. Prosecution suggests they take lunch break, that the next witness will be quite lengthy. Judge suggests jury looks like it can continue. The United States calls Kathy McCabe.11:45 Witness: Kathy McCabe, questioned by prosecutor Steve Stallings.Currently employed by Medical Examiner's office. Job title is administrative assistant. Started in March of 1993. When first started, position was receptionist. About a year until summer of 1994.Promoted to medical secretary. Until early 2002.Would type autopsy reports. Ever type one for Dr. Cyril Wecht? no.Also did accounts receivable.Shows Feb 1996 document showing increase in fee for out-of-county autopsies from $600 to $1,100.During time as receptionist earned $27-28,000. During time as medical secretary $33,000 - $36,000 Early 2002, new promotion to Administrative Assistant.What were your duties as administrative assistant. Personnel files in that office, correspondence, thank you letters. Did county work. Also did personal work for Dr. Wecht from time to time. Yes.What kinds of things were you asked to do from time to time before your became an administrative assistant. Type things like little thank you notes.Some of the things you typed were of a county natures, personal nature, private business nature. Yes. 2002-through-2005, when she was administrative assistant.Would you print out on different letterheads? Yes. Regular county letterhead. Also a separate letterhead Dr. Wecht purchased that identified him as coroner.Government shows a document from Wecht's business. An invoice for personal services to an attorney.Sometimes she would sign on behalf of Dr. Wecht and initial the signature to show it was hers. Always with his express permission? Yes.Were you ever employed by Wecht Pathology as an employee? No.This letter is a bill from the business. She prepared it at the Allegheny County Coroner's Office.Private letterhead was kept at county? Yes.Would you correspond with people around the country regarding Dr. Wecht's private business? Yes.Indicates that Dr. Wecht did not operate computer himself. She and Eileen Young had clearance from Computer Services to intercept his e-mails. They'd print out. He'd instruct how to respond. Could be either by e-mail or letter. Occasions where these would be sent directly to her e-mail? Yes.Government displays various representative documents entered as evidence. They are correspondence concerning Wecht's private business, sent from the coroner's office by her at the defendant's behest.You'd sometimes take phone calls concerning his private business? Yes.They had a shorter version of his CV (Curriculum Vitae, that is resume) in the county computer they would sent out, and a longer version that runs many pages which they would mail.The e-mails and her notations also refer to a "laundry list". That includes a request for anything information dealing with a private case to be consulted on.Was this a private matter? Yes. This was returned to you at your county e-mail at the coroner's office? Yes.Shows another item of evidence:The subject is the Robert Blake / Bonnie Bakley case. This was not an Allegheny County case was it? A: No. Stallings: another example of her doing non-county work for Dr. Wecht.To your knowledge, did part of Dr. Wecht's work involve testifying in outlying counties, including Westmoreland County? A: Yes.Another document.Letter on private Wecht letterhead addressed to a police officer in Greensburg. He'd gotten a parking ticket while testifying in Westmoreland County in a private capacity for his business. The letter says he had put an Allegheny County placard on the dashboard of the car and a copy of the subpoena from the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office.Next document:Seeking reimbursement for travel expenses on behalf of Dr. Wecht. The amounts would be provided to her for correspondence. She would provide drafts to him and he would approve, make changes.Another document:Jan. 30, 2004. Letter she typed asking Mark Geragos concerning the Michael Jackson case. Asks if he was considering any forensic pathology work.Next letter:Ten days later. Again to Mark Geragos. Have you given any further thought to the possibility of toxicology and forensic pathology evidence in the Michael Jackson case?12:32 PM Breaks for lunch until 1:30 PM.
After the jury left for lunch break, judge discussed prosecution's wish to have four witnesses who are coming in from out of town take the stand tomorrow, even if it interrupts McCabe's testimony. Her direct prosecution testimony is expected to go through the end of today and possibly continue tomorrow. Judge indicates that the defense cross-examination of McCabe, once begun, will not be interrupted for those witnesses to take the stand. That means they'll testify before cross-examination starts or once it is complete.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 1:28 p.m. update Back in session. Katy McCabe questioning by prosecutor Steve Stallings continues.Are you testifying under immunity? YES.
Did anyone tell you that you were a subject of this investigation or going to face charges as a result of this investigation? No.Shows her letter to Mark Geragos."Have you or the doctor requested materials concerning Laci"... etc. Was Laci Peterson an Allegheny County case? No.Next e-mail from a law firm in Miami.Continues to show her a series of documents--e-mail printouts with handwritten notations on them--for her to identify and explain.One mentions a $5,000 consulting fee.An aside from judge: Now that all the media are back. Wants to meet with counsel and media after this is over for today---on how they will get access to exhibits they want.In general, once these consultations became active cases, who had primary responsibility to handle these case, you or Eileen? A: Eileen.One notation on a document says if you need to hire, please call me at: and it gives the county coroner's office number.Another document describes a person in Cleveland who will pay a $5,000 consulting fee and who wants to meet before the case in question comes to trial.Next document also shows Wecht giving the coroner's number as a place to reach him to hire him for professional services.Do you know where Dr. Wecht performed his private autopsies? Somewhere else. Carlow at some point? Yes.
Shows her document March 27, 2002 from Wecht to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Says "your institution has been dealing with me personally and as Allegheny County Coroner for many years."
Another says "I have received your termination letter". Indicates Wecht will have equipment removed from PIMS. It was faxed from the coroner's office. April 29, 2003.Moves on to another government exhibit.Did Wecht Pathology pay you from time to time? Yes. Two Christmas bonuses. One was $1,000. Another for $1,200, and a $720 for payment of parking when county started to charge for using county parking.Letter to Sister Grace Ann Geibel at Carlow College expressing optimism about an academic program he'd like to see start in the 2003-2004 academic year. This was on official Allegheny County Coroner letterhead, not personal business letterhead.Reads 1997 thank you letters relating to political campaigns. The letterhead on these letters? Probably got them from Chief Administrative Assistant at the time, Bletner.Another letter thanks for political support for defendant's son David Wecht. This is on "Wecht for Coroner" letterhead. It was typed by her at the county.Letter to then-Sheriff Peter DeFazio, thanking him and Dennis for his support at an event.All of the letters we've seen. What computer did you type it on? My county computer.Letter says, Right now David needs as much support as he can possibly get from his fellow elected officials for the upcoming statewide judicial race.Next letter addressed to an attorney at One Oxford Center, discussing following up on possible contributors to a fundraiser.Do you know if county employees participated in campaign work for David Wecht. A: I have no knowledge of that.Next: says I should like to ask you contribute to David's campaign.Next: another letter asking someone to consider contributing to David's campaign.Next: thank you very much for your generous contribution to David's judicial campaign.Next: Asks for contribution to David's campaign. Mentions the expense of TV ads and personalized mailings.Do you recall in 2003 writing a series of letters like this, asking for contributions. These a just a few examples. There were quite a few more, right? Yes.Stallings: Now shift gears to discuss letters sent on official county letterhead. The political letters described above were on political letterhead and done on a county computer by her.Another letter: tells employees they are all subject to the PA State Ethics Code. Notes that employees had to acknowledge a county policy restricting uses of e-mail.You told us you did right county e-mails from time to time? Yes.2:35 PM testimony is continuing
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 2:35 p.m. update A letter to Australia, referencing an earlier e-mail.Asks her to review invoice concerning Douglas Scott. She does not recall if she prepared it.Discusses a letter to Dr. Henry Lee, offering to transport him to Seven Springs while he was in Pittsburgh area for a speaking appearance there.Next letter: in 2000. Did it embarrass you to type this letter? Talks about making media appearances, appearing as an expert witness and "making a hell of a lot of money"...Another letter. Handwriting from Wecht's son, David Wecht: "Dad, great letter, but not on county stationary... because of circled items." Circled are "expert witness" and making a "hell of a lot of money".Another letter about show performed in Las Vegas at "The Rio" called "The Three Sleuths". Dated in 2002. Letter to Dr. Lee. They had done preliminary versions at other venues prior to going to Vega.Next letter to Dr. Lee and another Doctor about incorporation. A script was ultimately prepared for "The Three Sleuths".Next: a page from the script for "The Three Sleuths".Next: Another document: show was in April, 2004.At one point Stallings paused her from answering one of his questions, saying: "hold on, there's probably going to be an objection." Defense attorney McDevitt said "what's the point, it's not going to be allowed anyway." Judge Schwab told her to "go ahead, there's no objection."After further questioning...3:15 PM Judge says we'll break for the day.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 8:30 a.m. update First witness of the day: Kate Creegan. Was in Exxon Mobil Research Club. Prosecution shows letter inviting Wecht to speak, then fax from coroner's office confirming details.There was an honorarium for talk. Invoice showed by prosecutor represents the amount.She would send it to Peter Gordon, an officer in the club at the time, and he would arrange payment.Did you receive this limousine receipt for payment for Dr. Wecht for this trip? Yes.Does this match the amount of payment? Yes.Next: hotel bill invoice submitted by Dr. Wecht.Is this the receipt for Dr. Wecht's air travel? Yes. Also passed to Gordon for payment. Picking him up at airport in New Jersey, taking him to airport in Philadelphia.How did that go? Not Well. She used her club charge card for his limo from hotel to Philadelphia. A case came up and he had to leave earlier than expected... from Philadelphia instead of New Jersey.Wilson shows invoice for limo ride.How far is it from the hotel to airport? A: An hour, hour and a half ride. Total amount $313 dollars, all trips between airports, hotels, etc. Club repaid her for her expense.Letter from Dr. Wecht, thanking you for arranging the limo ride and for some chocolate chip cookies. (She bakes for speakers because honorarium is not that much.)8:44 AM. Cross examination from defense attorney Mark Rush.Met with prosecution this morning. They showed her the receipts she had sent them.She got a letter from government telling her not to speak to anybody. Then another letter saying she could speak.Did you invite Dr. Wecht because of his article you read or because he was the coroner of Allegheny County. A: Because of the article.Your fees up to and including $40,000? At the time we invited Dr. Wecht we paid only $200. Since went to Exxon-Mobil and asked for more funding.Exxon-Mobil Club offered Dr. Wecht $3,000 and he accepted.When you select a speaker, what criteria are you looking for? She sees articles in paper, saves those topics that interest her.He did fine. It was a very popular talk. Tales from the Crypt.? Engaging, entertaining, knows how to draw a crowd? Yes. Well, spent (with expenses) about $4,100? Yes.He charged you $695 dollars for his round trip air fare? Yes. Mr. Gordon sent him payment, based on receipts. People can bring their spouses, children to the club's event.8:56 AM: redirect by prosecutor Jim Wilson.Zooms in on display of receipt. This is the amount you agreed to pay for the air fare? Yes.The date, Feb. 11, 2002, sent roughly a week after Dr. Wecht had spoken? Yes.8:58 Witness: Peter Gordon, research scientist at Exxon Mobil. He was president of the club. Separately incorporated in 1943. Organize dinner lectures for employees and retirees of company in New Jersey area. Do you recall extending an invitation to Dr. Wecht to speak to the club>? Yes. Evidence: the formal invitation. Invitation for Feb 5, 2002. Talks about a hotel in Warren, New Jersey. Creegan had discussed it with Wecht's executive secretary, Eileen. You indicate you'll cover all reasonable expenses a speakers incur. Coach, not first class. A good hotel, but not four star. It says generally speakers provide an itemized invoice, for which they reimburse.Got receipts for Dr. Wecht's expenses? Yes. Forward from Kate. Government shows invoice evidence. Air fare, limo trip, hotel bill, breakfast at airport -- $15, an example of one they would not require receipt for. Look at this invoice: appears to be invoice that has been paid. Had you ever dealt with Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency on Long Run Road in McKeesport? He assumed it was valid. Likewise, is this receipt your received for the limo? The ride in New Jersey was handled entirely by the club. Another document: Hotel expenses. Agreed to pay. Next: This is the thank you letter to Dr. Wecht, accompanied by check you just showed. February 27, 2002. Is your signature on this check? Yes. Did you have any reason to look behind those invoices, for their validity? No. It's fair to assume you authorized the payment based on the invoices you got? Yes.9:10 AM Cross examination by Mark Rush. Did you call the FBI about Dr. Wecht, or did the FBI call you? They called me. They told you that you were a victim? Yes. DI They have intimated that some of the charges we paid in these receipts may not be valid. They suggested the limo service in Pittsburgh and the air fare? Would about the amount? Was there a question about the amount. No. He believes there was some question of whether the travel agency actually exists. Never alleged that you were overcharged for air fare? They didn't get that specific.He's no longer an officer of the club. Still employed by Exxon Mobil.The honorarium was a figure she suggested, he didn't demand that. Did you attend the meeting? How did he do? He was fantastic.The internal limo charge (between airports and hotels in New Jersey, Philadelphia). Is $313 a reasonable figure? It sounds reasonable to me.First contact from FBI, a phone contact? Yes. You received this victim notification letter from the government, have you since asked Dr. Wecht for any reimbursement of how much you may be due? No. They just told you that you were a victim? Yes.Just that a Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency receipt was used? Yes.9:21 AM re-crossDo you have the faintest idea what the defendant actually paid for that (limo) trip. No.9:23 AM His testimony ends.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 9:24 a.m. update Next witness: June Stimmel.She's retired. Used to operate Mercur-Lombardo Travel Agency, for approximately six years. Jan 1994 she acquired the business from Ronald Lombardo. She was working (operating the business) her husband, John Montgomery. It was located on Long Run Road, in McKeesport. Employed six or seven people. In June 1999 she closed the business. Her husband died May 5, 1999. Did not sell the business to another operator.Did you sell any tickets or travel to Cyril Wecht? Not to my knowledge. Did you do business with both business and leisure travelers? Yes. She would create documentation for them.Shows her invoices.Is this in fact a genuine invoice produced by company at any time? Did you submit to Dr. CH Wecht for payment? No.
Did you stamp it paid? No.
Sign it with initial RAL? No.
Know anyone with initials RAL? Ron Lombardo was the previous owner.
Did she employ an RAL? No.
Did she sign RAL on this invoice? No.Not valid from her time owning the business? No. Did not stamp it paid.Pay you $675 on this or any another date? No.Another invoice: August 1997. Is this genuine, produced at any time by your company? No. Did you stamp it paid or sign it? No.Another invoice: For round trip, Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. Did you submit. No. Stamp paid, sign? No.Another invoice: Round trip, Pittsburgh to DC, 1997. Is this a genuine travel invoice produced by your company at any time you were associated with it? No. Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".
Another invoice: Same earlier series of questions repeated and answered "no".(The above count is approximate, but close.)The cities include Las Vegas, Boston, Miami.When did your agency close? 1999, June. In one case, Pittsburgh to Hartford, more than $900, more than a year after the business was closed.We're hearing about hundreds of dollars in airfare in each case. The later ones in the sequence are over a thousand dollars. Now we're into round trip receipts from a period more than two years after her business closed. Now, more than three years.Is this a genuine invoice produced by your company by any time you were operating it or associate with it? No.
Did you or anyone that worked for you cause it to be stamped paid and sign it? No.Miss Stimmel, did you ever meet the defendant? Yes. One time. At a book-signing at Duquesne University, in hopes of trying to get his account for the business. Got book signed, introduced themselves, talked. They never got the account.Government shows a picture of the signed book.(For about 10 minutes during her questioning, a constant, low-level, annoying feedback tone continued through the courtroom's sound system. The judge paused testimony and asked if anyone was using new electronic equipment. No one was. Later, he asked the attorneys and witness to move their microphones. The tone continued. Finally, someone asked someone sitting with the prosecution team to disconnect a speaker from that person's computer. The tone stopped. Defense attorney Jerry McDevitt said "your honor, let the record show it was..." from the prosecution table. There was some laughter in the courtroom, then the testimony resumed.)9:53 AM Cross-examination by Rush.Had Dr. Wecht (previously) been a customer of the business (before you owned it)? Yes.
That was why you went to the book signing to try get his business? Yes.Your testimony isn't that the amounts included on those invoices are incorrect? She doesn't know one way or the other.9:57 AM: Her testimony ends.9:58 AM: Next witness: Eleanor Johnson.She works at the Medical Examiner's office as a medical secretary. Types autopsy reports, general clerical duties, etc. Worked at coroner's office since 1991. From 1996 to 2005 when Wecht was last coroner, she was a medical secretary.Four medical secretaries were in the pool. Juanita Wilson, Kathy McCabe, Eve Popovich, herself. Annie Marbury was the supervisor.In her 17 years, has she become familiar with handwriting? Yes.
Ever type an autopsy report for Cyril Wecht? No.
She describes how she would handle requests histology slides from law enforcement, insurance companies, doctors, etc. Cost was $10 per slide. They would be payable to county treasurer. At one time there was no cost.Shows Feb 1996 document relating to slide work. That's when fee went from zero to $10 per slide. Wecht had become coroner in January of that year.10:09 AM cross examination by Mark Rush.She says Dr. Wecht was a great boss. Would take her and secretaries to restaurants for meals at his own expense. Very nice Christmas parties. Did he make sure there was food for the entire 24 shift? Yes. She believes there was.10:17 Her testimony ends.10:19 AM Next witness: Janice Fawcett . No one in the back of the courtroom could hear her name.Retired. Used to work as a histologist.Used to work at Central Medical Pavilion, which later became St. Francis Hospital. It's now closed. She started there in 1987 as a histologist. Wecht was director of the lab. Did you meet Mary Beth Bletner. She was Dr. Wecht's private secretary, not for the hospital.Her testimony describes procedures of her doing histology work for Wecht and her dealings with his private employees. When Saint Francis closed, the lab was still there and in use. She describes the specialized, costly equipment and materials involved. She acknowledges it would be expensive to open your own lab.10:43 Fifteen minute recess.10:58 AM Testimony resumes. (As you can see from the times noted, Judge Schwab runs his courtroom like clockwork.)Prosecution is going over documentation of payments made to Fawcett for private work she performed for him.Did Dr. Wecht make a request of you concerning George Hollis? Someone suggested she help him learn how to cut slides (learn how to be a histologist). He came to the lab a few times, but never came back. She doesn't know anything more about his training after that.11:07 AM Cross examination by McDevitt.You don't know anything about what training Mr. Hollis got after you met? No. Notes that at some point the whole lab facility at the Saint Francis site closed. When she first met Wecht, he was manager of the lab. It was a lab for the whole hospital, not just a histology lab. You're not aware of any arrangement Dr. Wecht had with the hospital concerning his private work being done there? No. Not privy to that? No. You haven't had any dealings with Dr. Wecht since 2001? No.11:13 AM Her testimony ends.11:15 AM Next witness: Theresa CirelloSupervisor of anatomic pathology at Butler Hospital since April, 2002. Tell jury what cytology is? The study of cells. You're looking for disease in cells. People are most familiar with PAP smears. Also fluids, aspirations, non-gynecological.Back in 2005: was the operation of the lab the same in size. No, grown in size since then.
In Spring 2005, Butler Hospital entered into an agreement with Wecht Pathology to do histology work? Yes.In 2003, we were looking for someone to help with the autopsies. I called various other facilities and at end of day, contracted with Joe Mancuso to do the autopsies for us. He would assist with the autopsies. When Joe called in the spring and said they needed some histology work, asked would we be interested. I said yes, we'd look at what it was going to pay. They negotiated the costs and entered into an agreement. He was representing Wecht Pathology.Did Butler Hospital entered into an agreement to do histology work for Wecht Pathology.Shows document. It says histology processing. It says a verbal agreement has been made to process our histology materials. Signature is Mr. Mancuso on behalf of Wecht Pathology. $9 per slide, $6 a slide for paraffin re-cuts.Shortly afterward there was an addendum to the agreement. There was a group of blocks that would come in in the $9 process, cutting and staining. They received blocks that needed to be re-embedded then cut. They'd charge $7.50 a slide for those. More labor involved.Volume of work? I couldn't get you an accurate number. Regular flow? This was to fill the empty time. It would come in spurts. Some weeks we would get several cases. Then there would be weeks when we had nothing. Many weeks.How would pickup work? I have a house in the South Hills. Mr. Mancuso would leave them at my house. When done he'd pick them up from my porch. There might be times when he'd come directly to the hospital.He'd physically just leave them on your porch? He'd call and she'd alert her husband or son.What sort of container? The tissue would be in cassettes, in a sealed container, in a bio-hazard bag. There would not be a big red bio-hazard bag on my porch. They'd be in a container.11:31 AM Cross examination by McDevitt.Contract dated April 20, 2005? Yes.You've known Mr. Mancuso for quite some time. She used to work in the coroner's office? 1980s. When Perper and Edberg were coroners.FBI agents earlier showed up unannounced. No word beforehand they had an interest in this. FBI Agent Orsini contacted you by phone later.After the agents showed up, did any of the people at the hospital begin to question whether the hospital should continue its relationship with Dr. Wecht?Prosecution: Objection.Judge: Sustained.Agent contacted her the next year, 2006.Q: Did he ask questions about the nature of your relationship with Joe Mancuso? A: Yes. It was a business relationship.Q: Were you offended by some of his questioning? A: Long pause. I --pause-- I think anytime an FBI agent calls you at work, it sets you back a little.Q: Were you offended by an innuendo of a relationship with Mr. Mancuso. A; Pause. I don't know how to answer that.Q: It was a business relationship. Yes.Did any people at the hospital describe Agent Orsini as scary? Government: Objection.Judge: Sustained.Questions establish business relationship with Wecht Pathology continues today. Good business relationship. Establishes that she had to talk to people at hospital who questioned the relationship after the FBI showed up. Yes. She showed it was a good business decision. She believes it is a good business decision.11:44 AM Her testimony ends. Prosecution suggests they take lunch break, that the next witness will be quite lengthy. Judge suggests jury looks like it can continue. The United States calls Kathy McCabe.11:45 Witness: Kathy McCabe, questioned by prosecutor Steve Stallings.Currently employed by Medical Examiner's office. Job title is administrative assistant. Started in March of 1993. When first started, position was receptionist. About a year until summer of 1994.Promoted to medical secretary. Until early 2002.Would type autopsy reports. Ever type one for Dr. Cyril Wecht? no.Also did accounts receivable.Shows Feb 1996 document showing increase in fee for out-of-county autopsies from $600 to $1,100.During time as receptionist earned $27-28,000. During time as medical secretary $33,000 - $36,000 Early 2002, new promotion to Administrative Assistant.What were your duties as administrative assistant. Personnel files in that office, correspondence, thank you letters. Did county work. Also did personal work for Dr. Wecht from time to time. Yes.What kinds of things were you asked to do from time to time before your became an administrative assistant. Type things like little thank you notes.Some of the things you typed were of a county natures, personal nature, private business nature. Yes. 2002-through-2005, when she was administrative assistant.Would you print out on different letterheads? Yes. Regular county letterhead. Also a separate letterhead Dr. Wecht purchased that identified him as coroner.Government shows a document from Wecht's business. An invoice for personal services to an attorney.Sometimes she would sign on behalf of Dr. Wecht and initial the signature to show it was hers. Always with his express permission? Yes.Were you ever employed by Wecht Pathology as an employee? No.This letter is a bill from the business. She prepared it at the Allegheny County Coroner's Office.Private letterhead was kept at county? Yes.Would you correspond with people around the country regarding Dr. Wecht's private business? Yes.Indicates that Dr. Wecht did not operate computer himself. She and Eileen Young had clearance from Computer Services to intercept his e-mails. They'd print out. He'd instruct how to respond. Could be either by e-mail or letter. Occasions where these would be sent directly to her e-mail? Yes.Government displays various representative documents entered as evidence. They are correspondence concerning Wecht's private business, sent from the coroner's office by her at the defendant's behest.You'd sometimes take phone calls concerning his private business? Yes.They had a shorter version of his CV (Curriculum Vitae, that is resume) in the county computer they would sent out, and a longer version that runs many pages which they would mail.The e-mails and her notations also refer to a "laundry list". That includes a request for anything information dealing with a private case to be consulted on.Was this a private matter? Yes. This was returned to you at your county e-mail at the coroner's office? Yes.Shows another item of evidence:The subject is the Robert Blake / Bonnie Bakley case. This was not an Allegheny County case was it? A: No. Stallings: another example of her doing non-county work for Dr. Wecht.To your knowledge, did part of Dr. Wecht's work involve testifying in outlying counties, including Westmoreland County? A: Yes.Another document.Letter on private Wecht letterhead addressed to a police officer in Greensburg. He'd gotten a parking ticket while testifying in Westmoreland County in a private capacity for his business. The letter says he had put an Allegheny County placard on the dashboard of the car and a copy of the subpoena from the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office.Next document:Seeking reimbursement for travel expenses on behalf of Dr. Wecht. The amounts would be provided to her for correspondence. She would provide drafts to him and he would approve, make changes.Another document:Jan. 30, 2004. Letter she typed asking Mark Geragos concerning the Michael Jackson case. Asks if he was considering any forensic pathology work.Next letter:Ten days later. Again to Mark Geragos. Have you given any further thought to the possibility of toxicology and forensic pathology evidence in the Michael Jackson case?12:32 PM Breaks for lunch until 1:30 PM.
After the jury left for lunch break, judge discussed prosecution's wish to have four witnesses who are coming in from out of town take the stand tomorrow, even if it interrupts McCabe's testimony. Her direct prosecution testimony is expected to go through the end of today and possibly continue tomorrow. Judge indicates that the defense cross-examination of McCabe, once begun, will not be interrupted for those witnesses to take the stand. That means they'll testify before cross-examination starts or once it is complete.
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 1:28 p.m. update Back in session. Katy McCabe questioning by prosecutor Steve Stallings continues.Are you testifying under immunity? YES.
Did anyone tell you that you were a subject of this investigation or going to face charges as a result of this investigation? No.Shows her letter to Mark Geragos."Have you or the doctor requested materials concerning Laci"... etc. Was Laci Peterson an Allegheny County case? No.Next e-mail from a law firm in Miami.Continues to show her a series of documents--e-mail printouts with handwritten notations on them--for her to identify and explain.One mentions a $5,000 consulting fee.An aside from judge: Now that all the media are back. Wants to meet with counsel and media after this is over for today---on how they will get access to exhibits they want.In general, once these consultations became active cases, who had primary responsibility to handle these case, you or Eileen? A: Eileen.One notation on a document says if you need to hire, please call me at: and it gives the county coroner's office number.Another document describes a person in Cleveland who will pay a $5,000 consulting fee and who wants to meet before the case in question comes to trial.Next document also shows Wecht giving the coroner's number as a place to reach him to hire him for professional services.Do you know where Dr. Wecht performed his private autopsies? Somewhere else. Carlow at some point? Yes.
Shows her document March 27, 2002 from Wecht to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Says "your institution has been dealing with me personally and as Allegheny County Coroner for many years."
Another says "I have received your termination letter". Indicates Wecht will have equipment removed from PIMS. It was faxed from the coroner's office. April 29, 2003.Moves on to another government exhibit.Did Wecht Pathology pay you from time to time? Yes. Two Christmas bonuses. One was $1,000. Another for $1,200, and a $720 for payment of parking when county started to charge for using county parking.Letter to Sister Grace Ann Geibel at Carlow College expressing optimism about an academic program he'd like to see start in the 2003-2004 academic year. This was on official Allegheny County Coroner letterhead, not personal business letterhead.Reads 1997 thank you letters relating to political campaigns. The letterhead on these letters? Probably got them from Chief Administrative Assistant at the time, Bletner.Another letter thanks for political support for defendant's son David Wecht. This is on "Wecht for Coroner" letterhead. It was typed by her at the county.Letter to then-Sheriff Peter DeFazio, thanking him and Dennis for his support at an event.All of the letters we've seen. What computer did you type it on? My county computer.Letter says, Right now David needs as much support as he can possibly get from his fellow elected officials for the upcoming statewide judicial race.Next letter addressed to an attorney at One Oxford Center, discussing following up on possible contributors to a fundraiser.Do you know if county employees participated in campaign work for David Wecht. A: I have no knowledge of that.Next: says I should like to ask you contribute to David's campaign.Next: another letter asking someone to consider contributing to David's campaign.Next: thank you very much for your generous contribution to David's judicial campaign.Next: Asks for contribution to David's campaign. Mentions the expense of TV ads and personalized mailings.Do you recall in 2003 writing a series of letters like this, asking for contributions. These a just a few examples. There were quite a few more, right? Yes.Stallings: Now shift gears to discuss letters sent on official county letterhead. The political letters described above were on political letterhead and done on a county computer by her.Another letter: tells employees they are all subject to the PA State Ethics Code. Notes that employees had to acknowledge a county policy restricting uses of e-mail.You told us you did right county e-mails from time to time? Yes.2:35 PM testimony is continuing
Wecht Day 7 - Feb. 6, 2008 - 2:35 p.m. update A letter to Australia, referencing an earlier e-mail.Asks her to review invoice concerning Douglas Scott. She does not recall if she prepared it.Discusses a letter to Dr. Henry Lee, offering to transport him to Seven Springs while he was in Pittsburgh area for a speaking appearance there.Next letter: in 2000. Did it embarrass you to type this letter? Talks about making media appearances, appearing as an expert witness and "making a hell of a lot of money"...Another letter. Handwriting from Wecht's son, David Wecht: "Dad, great letter, but not on county stationary... because of circled items." Circled are "expert witness" and making a "hell of a lot of money".Another letter about show performed in Las Vegas at "The Rio" called "The Three Sleuths". Dated in 2002. Letter to Dr. Lee. They had done preliminary versions at other venues prior to going to Vega.Next letter to Dr. Lee and another Doctor about incorporation. A script was ultimately prepared for "The Three Sleuths".Next: a page from the script for "The Three Sleuths".Next: Another document: show was in April, 2004.At one point Stallings paused her from answering one of his questions, saying: "hold on, there's probably going to be an objection." Defense attorney McDevitt said "what's the point, it's not going to be allowed anyway." Judge Schwab told her to "go ahead, there's no objection."After further questioning...3:15 PM Judge says we'll break for the day.
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