PITTSBURGH — Thirty-three prominent Western Pennsylvanians on Wednesday sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey in which they asked him to dismiss a fraud and theft indictment against celebrity pathologist Cyril Wecht.

Wecht already faced a seven-week trial on 41 counts, but a judge declared a mistrial April 8 after the jury could not agree on a verdict.

A new trial is scheduled for May 27, but will likely be delayed by defense motions on behalf of the 77-year-old coroner, who has earned millions investigating deaths, including those of JonBenet Ramsey, Elvis Presley and Vince Foster.

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 signees include Wecht's original defense attorney in this case, J. Alan Johnson, a former U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh.

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 a Pittsburgh newspaper 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."

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, whose office is prosecuting Wecht, said, "Our decision to bring this case is based upon the law and the evidence alone."

The government will litigate the case in court, not the media, she said.

Mukasey spokesman Peter Carr said "it is not uncommon for the Federal government to consider a retrial when a jury fails to reach a verdict."

The letter to Mukasey was signed by several of Wecht's fellow Allegheny County Democrats, but also by some prominent Republicans. They include former U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart; former county executive and current county Republican Chairman Jim Roddey.