ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. -- The following report by Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo first aired on Channel 4 Action News at 6 p.m. on March 8, 2006.

---

In a personal letter obtained by Channel 4 Action News, Dr. Cyril Wecht makes what he calls "a fervent plea" for contributions to his legal defense fund.

Wecht, who has consulted on deaths ranging from Elvis Presley to Laci Peterson and JonBenet Ramsey, is accused of using his county staff for private gain.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury last month on 84 counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, theft of honest services and theft from the medical examiner's office.

Former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh is among those on a team defending Wecht.

In the letter, Wecht said, "All of them agree that this vindictive inquisition is completely defensable, and that ultimately, I will prevail."

Wecht goes on, "Unfortunatley, the legal defense that I must mount all the way through a prolonged trial will be astronomically expensive."

Some potential donors are saying privately that they are offended by Wecht's plea for money in view of his personal assets, Mayo said.

Wecht's Squirrel Hill home is valued at $415,600, It's owned by a trust in his wife's name alone.

The couple also has two out-of-state properties.

Wecht and his wife own a home in Milford, Conn. It's valued at $559,860 according to assessment officials there.

Then in Boca Raton, Fla., Wecht and his wife own a home in the Woodfield Hunt Club, a gated community. It's valued at $532,335.

Attorney Robert Stewart had not seen the letter. As an independent observer he confirmed that Wecht's defense will be very expensive.

"His legal expenses could easily run past a half-million dollars. And I don't know too many people that could just pay out a half-million dollars without batting an eye," Stewart said.

In the letter, Wecht said, "I have no choice. My entire life is literally at stake -- personally, professionally, financially."

"Most importantly, the incredible emotional, traumatic impact on my wife, children and grandchildren must be reversed," Wecht said.