Allegheny County prosecutors withdrew all criminal charges Wednesday morning against former Highmark CEO Ken Melani after he completed anger management classes.

Melani's attorney, Robert Del Greco, said Melani, 58, wanted to contest the charges that he fought with the husband of his mistress in March. But Del Greco says Melani, instead, took his advice to complete 16 one-hour anger management classes that prompted Allegheny County prosecutors to drop the charges on Wednesday.

Melani's hearing on Wednesday lasted less than 10 minutes, and in that time he said the anger management classes were good and that he learned from them.

Melani was charged with simple assault and defiant trespass after police said he fought with the husband of his mistress, Melissa Myler, 28, on March 25 in Oakmont.

Highmark then fired Melani in April. Myler is still employed.

"With this behind him, he's going to seek employment elsewhere. He's optimistic toward things. In fact, on more than one occasion he seemed to pick me up instead of me picking him up," Del Greco said. "He obviously took a hit. He took an economic and journalistic hit. He has been embarrassed to some extent, but he has a positive attitude looking forward."

Del Greco said Melani was embarrassed by the incident and maintains he did nothing illegal.

"He wanted to challenge the charges, but he followed the advice of his counsel," Del Greco said. "He embraced the anger management classes. He had always taken the position that he did not engage in the crime."

When Del Greco was asked if Melani still had a relationship with Myler, he said, "Melissa is still special to him, and he still cares for her."