PITTSBURGH - A federal judge says jurors will remain anonymous at the trial of former Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht.

U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab isn't saying why, but defense attorneys objected, saying it's not necessary and raises constitutional issues.

With an anonymous panel, names are withheld from the public and attorneys. Neither the defence or prosecution made the request.

Wecht is scheduled for trial in January on charges he used his county staff to do work for his private pathology practice. Wecht, who has consulted privately in the deaths of Elvis Presley, Jon Benet Ramsey and others, resigned in January after being indicted on 84 counts by a federal grand jury.

Source: Associated Press

Posted:  30th. November 2007