The office that investigates internal misconduct for the Department of Justice has started an inquiry into allegations made by former Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht against U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan.

One of Dr. Wecht's attorneys, Dick Thornburgh, wrote a letter to the Office of Professional Responsibility on June 18, complaining about Ms. Buchanan's comments made during a June 2 news conference in which she dismissed all charges.

The prosecutor said that she still believed Dr. Wecht had committed a crime and said if she could have a do-over, she'd charge him again.

The first trial of Dr. Wecht ended with a hung jury in April 2008. After having two essential search warrants thrown out, Ms. Buchanan announced that the charges would be dropped.

In his letter Mr. Thornburgh said the comments were "completely out of order, violate all notions of prosecutorial ethics and decency and ... warrant remedial action by the Department of Justice."

In a letter received July 8, the Office of Professional Responsibility said that an inquiry into Mr. Thornburgh's complaints had been initiated and that he would be advised of the results at the conclusion.