Dr. Cyril Wecht's first trial ended in a hung jury and his lawyers argued that the judge bungled the mistrial, so a second trial would be double jeopardy. But a three-judge appellate panel rejected their motion to dismiss the charges, ordering instead that a different judge should preside if Wecht is retried, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Wecht served as Allegheny County coroner from 1970 to 1980 and again from 1996 to 2006. During his first term in the elected position, he was acquitted of state charges involving misuse of his office, although he had to pay a large civil penalty.

"The government is pleased that the Court of Appeals accepted our position and reached the conclusion that the double jeopardy clause does not preclude a retrial in this case," U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said in a statement.

Wecht has a high profile because of his work as a consultant and his books and television appearances.