PITTSBURGH — A federal judge allowed prosecutors Friday to drop many counts filed against a pathologist to simplify their misconduct case, but they won't be able to refile the charges later if they wish.

Cyril Wecht, 76, is accused of using his public office and Allegheny County staff to benefit his multimillion-dollar private pathology practice before resigning as medical examiner in January 2006.

Wecht, famous for his investigations in the cases of Elvis Presley, JonBenet Ramsey and others, remains a consultant, pundit and expert on high-profile cases. He also conducts autopsies-for-hire in several Pennsylvania counties.

Federal prosecutors filed a motion last month to drop 43 of 84 counts to "streamline" their case, but they also wanted to retain the right to refile the charges.

Wecht's attorneys contend the dropped charges were false and shoddily investigated, and argued that eliminating them would let prosecutors hide weak parts of their case.

The attorneys also said dismissing the counts while allowing prosecutors to refile them would have unfairly left Wecht open to future prosecution.

U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab agreed on the latter point in a ruling Friday.

Wecht attorney Jerry McDevitt said the defense was pleased with the ruling.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday and testimony to start Jan. 28.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Stallings has said the government still believes Wecht used the mail and fax machines to help him use county resources for private gain; defrauded private clients with bogus travel invoices; and used fraudulent mileage receipts to cheat surrounding counties that hired him.

The shortened indictment will simply list fewer examples of each kind of crime.