Wecht Wants Job Back As County Medical Examiner

PITTSBURGH,None — Famed forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht said he wants his old job back as Allegheny County medical examiner.

The 80-year-old physician resigned the post in January 2006 after he was indicted on federal corruption charges accusing him of using his county staff for personal gain. Wecht's 2008 trial ended with a deadlocked jury, and prosecutors dropped the charges months later after a judge ruled many records used as evidence against him had been seized illegally.

"Morally and ethically that position should be restored to me. It was mine and it was taken away from me and there is no reason why I shouldn't be the medical examiner," Wecht said.

County Executive Dan Onorato must name a medical examiner because Dr. Karl Williams' five-year term expired in December. The 63-year-old Williams is still acting medical examiner and said he has no plans to step down.

Onorato told Channel 11 News that he's looking at his options.

"Cyril's a friend. I've known him for a long time and he is extremely qualified and he has made his intentions known. It's something we'll consider," said Onorato.

Wecht said he's still busy in private practice -- doing 340 autopsies last year -- and wants the job.

"I'm busier than ever. I performed 340 autopsies last year. I'm still consulting. People want my expertise," said Wecht.

Onorato isn't ruling out the possibility of bringing Wecht back, according to Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

"He's certainly a good friend, and he's extremely qualified," Onorato said Wednesday. "They're both good guys. But Cyril has a legitimate point as to why he's doing this."

Onorato said he has no timetable to fill the job on a permanent basis. The Brighton Heights Democrat, who did not run for re-election, leaves office at the end of December.

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