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Assault Charges Dropped Against Former Highmark CEO

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Former Highmark CEO, Ken Melani, is no longer facing assault charges following a fight he got into in March.

In a very quick appearance before the judge, Melani said everyone could benefit from the anger management classes he just completed in exchange for a withdrawal of charges against him.

Melani chose not to comment Wednesday morning as he made his way into court.

"All the criminal aspects of this case [are] concluded, favorably for him and we're happy about that," defense attorney Robert Del Greco said.

In March, Melani was accused of getting into a physical altercation with the husband of his lover at their home in Oakmont.

His mistress, Melissa Myler, is also an employee of Highmark. The charges and affair resulted in Melani being terminated from his job.

The district attorney agreed to a deal, where Melani would take 16 hours of anger management classes in exchange for a dismissal of charges.

"It was a bit of a hard sell because Dr. Melani's position has always been that he did not commit a crime," Del Greco said.

Del Greco said Melani initially wanted to fight the charges, but was convinced the classes would bring the best outcome.

The judge even commented on his good attitude. Since Melani has completed his end of the bargain, the charges are eligible for expungement from his record.

However, Melani is still dealing with legal issues and negotiations over his firing at Highmark.

"He has a positive, forward-thinking attitude, and I think now with this behind him, he's going to seek employment elsewhere," Del Greco said.

While his lawyer would not comment on the relationship between Melani and Myler, he said that she is someone that he still cares for.

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