PITTSBURGH — Attorneys for celebrity pathologist Cyril Wecht are trying to stop federal prosecutors from dropping more than half the 84 criminal counts he faces.

Prosecutors said they want to simplify their case, but Wecht's attorneys believe the counts to be dismissed show that the government's case was poorly investigated.

Jury selection in Wecht's trial is scheduled for Jan. 10 with testimony to begin Jan. 28. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Stallings last week said he was dismissing the charges merely to "streamline" the case.

Wecht, 76, is accused of using his public office and Allegheny County staff to benefit hispathology practice before resigning as medical examiner.