A Portland man agreed in Cumberland County Superior Court today to continue to receive mental health treatment that will help him suppress and cope with violent sexual thoughts.

In exchange, prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor charge of violating conditions of release against Steven Ricci, rather than asking a judge to send him to jail for up to five months.

Ricci, 44, was charged in 2006 with attempted sexual abuse of a minor. He eventually pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of indecent conduct. But his inability to follow the conditions of his bail -- including a visit to an adult entertainment store -- landed him back in jail late last year. He was released again in January, prompting police to warn residents in Ricci's Brighton Avenue neighborhood.

"Everybody is on the same page," said Ricci's defense lawyer, J.P. DeGrinney. "Steve has been working really hard to address the issues that concern the state. He has been very active in pursuing the recommendations made by professionals, and wants to address his issues and be left alone."

The charge will officially be dropped in five months, if Ricci shows he has continued with his therapy.

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