Attorneys for Dr. Cyril Wecht yesterday asked a federal judge to acquit him now, before retrial, on fraud and theft charges.

Failing that, the attorneys want the judge to ban evidence gathered in searches organized by an FBI agent with a history of discipline problems.

Dr. Wecht, 77, is charged with 14 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and theft from an organization receiving federal funds in connection with his former position as Allegheny County coroner.