Reply #2: Wecht's case largely ignored, equally egregious

[MissWaverly]

The letter to Mukasey, given to the Associated Press by Wecht's attorneys, was signed by political leaders, attorneys, a retired FBI agent and some media members...The letter echoes arguments by Wecht's defense that the hung jury showed the government's case is weak and much ado about nothing. The letter notes that one anonymous juror told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that a "majority" of jurors favored acquitting Wecht. "You brought your case to the people. The people have spoken. You have discharged your duty," the letter says. "Do not now summarily dismiss the findings of this jury, but rather dismiss the indictment." Wecht's attorneys argued the charges were administrative oversights - 24 wire counts involve faxes that cost the county $3.96 to send - that didn't rise to the level of federal crimes.

http://www.examiner.com/a-1344804~Letter_to_Mukasey_ask...

Two jurors said Thursday they were unnerved by FBI requests for home visits to explain why they deadlocked in the federal public corruption trial of former Allegheny County coroner Cyril H. Wecht. Experts said the practice of using FBI agents to contact and interview jurors in their homes after mistrials was unusual, but the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh characterized it as "commonplace." "I thought it was kind of intimidating," the jury foreman said about the FBI phone call. Said another juror, "I found it kind of unusual."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/s_561792.ht...