Mary Beth Buchanan, among the most political of the Bush-era U.S. attorneys, hoisted the white flag of surrender today, announcing she would no longer pursue corruption charges against former county coroner Cyril Wecht, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces today. She remains convinced that a crime occurred, she notes, justifying her decision to prosecute one of the area’s most prominent Democrats over the use of office phones and faxes for private business, among other things.
“However, in our society everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” she said. “As we stand here today, he’s still innocent. If I could have a do-over, I’d still bring the case.”
Buchanan continues in office pending the Obama Administration’s appointment of her successor. She has announced her desire to stay on, but her offer has not been accepted by the new administration.
