Article Index
Dr. Cyril S. Wecht
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
All Pages
Page 1 of 10

Dr. Cyril H. Wecht

Former Allegheny County Coronor In Pennsylvania

 Why Did Feds Persecute Celebrity Expert Cyril Wecht? Who's Next?

 

Like many government employees, Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht of Pittsburgh sometimes sent faxes from his office on personal matters. On Feb. 12, 2002, for example, he sent a New Jersey group a bill for a speech. Four years later, the Justice Department used that fax for one of 84 felony charges against Wecht, thereby forcing his resignation after 20 years. The charges included 27 felonies for sending personal faxes, along with allegations over mileage vouchers, office stationary, permission for students to study autopsies, and requests for staff help. Nationally, more than 95% of those who are federally accused in the U.S. now plead guilty. But Wecht, widely known as a TV analyst on celebrity deaths, had the means to fight hard to clear his name and stay out of prison.

Court rulings and prosecution errors ended Wecht's ordeal last June. By then, the 78-year-old had spent $8 million on legal fees over three years, putting him $6 million in debt currently. Authorities dropped the majority of charges against him just before trial in 2008. Thus, most of the charges were about 23 faxes, whose total out-of-pocket cost to the county was calculated by the defense as $3.96. Cases like this are creating bipartisan alarm nationally among legal experts who believe that DoJ increasingly abuses its vast powers. Read more: “Why Did Feds Persecute Celebrity Expert Cyril Wecht? Who’s Next?” (Oct. 9, 2009)

Case Index

Allegations
Claims of Government Misconduct
Case Status
Selected News Articles
House Judiciary Committee Oversight Documents
Trial Judge
Prosecution & Filings
Defense & Filings
What you can do
 

Prev - Next >>

< Prev   Next >
Designed and maintained by ZappyWeb
Disclaimer: Justice Integrity Project is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information, data, opinions, advice or statements made on this site. Justice Integrity Project expressly disclaims any potential liability associated with the use of any such information and such information is only meant for reference purposes. The federal, state, and municipal provisions on this site may not be accurate and do not constitute the provision of legal advice. If you believe you have been injured in any way, contact a lawyer in your state who is familiar with its laws.