Cyril Wecht Defense, Prosecution Talking To Avoid New Trial

Ex-Coroner Under Federal Indictment In Pittsburgh

POSTED: 3:14 pm EDT September 12, 2008
UPDATED: 6:49 pm EDT September 12, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- Federal prosecutors and lawyers for Dr. Cyril Wecht are holding ongoing meetings in an attempt to avoid a second trial for the former Allegheny County coroner in Pittsburgh.

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WTAE Channel 4's news exchange partners at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review confirmed that the talks have been happening for months and are being mediated by Pittsburgh native Timothy Lewis, a former federal judge who is an attorney in Washington, D.C.

"We did not initiate the discussions, but agreed to participate in a good faith attempt to resolve this matter. If mediation is unsuccessful, we are prepared to proceed to trial," U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said in a written statement Friday.

Wecht's defense attorneys have been trying to get the case dismissed on grounds of double jeopardy, because U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab declared a mistrial in April when the jury in Wecht's first trial said they were "essentially deadlocked."

Last week, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request to dismiss the charges, but ordered a new judge to replace Schwab if the U.S. Attorney's Office sends the case to trial for a second time.

The government accuses Wecht, 77, of Squirrel Hill, of using his former county staff to benefit his multimillion-dollar private business. He was also charged with mail fraud for allegedly overbilling private clients for bogus travel expenses.

Jurors in Wecht's first trial deliberated for more than 50 hours over 11 days but were unable to reach a verdict. The prosecution then quickly announced its intention to hold a second trial.

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