A Hermitage man who claims he's psychic agreed to return a $25 fee to police, pay court costs and advertise that his business is for entertainment only in exchange for fortunetelling charges against him being dismissed.

But Marques Campbell, 40, of 195 Dutch Lane, said he only agreed to that because he had to. In Pennsylvania, providing psychic readings is illegal unless it is clear to customers the service is for entertainment.

"I accept that to stay in business," he said after his preliminary hearing Wednesday in District Justice Henry J. Russo's Hermitage office.

"But it bothers me because it is not for amusement. I'm not agreeing with them but I follow the law. It's very real, very spiritual and profound. There are many higher beings on the planet that mingle with people. We live in a dumbing-down culture," Campbell said.

Mercer County District Attorney James P. Epstein was pleased with the agreement.

"He's obviously not a master criminal or a serious threat to public safety. It's no different than the Astrograph in The Herald," he said. "But if this gentleman advertises as anything other than entertainment, he will be arrested again. What he personally believes does not matter."

Campbell was charged with fortunetelling after an undercover policeman came to his Dutch Lane home and paid Campbell $25 to tell his fortune with tarot cards.

The law says it's illegal if someone "pretends for gain ... to tell fortunes or predict future events" through a variety of practices including cards, reading hands or "consulting" the stars. Campbell's agreement to bill his service as entertainment provides a way around the law. According to Campbell's attorney, Randall Hetrick of Mercer, only two people have been convicted of illegal fortunetelling in Pennsylvania.

"The law prevents people from being taken to the cleaners," said Epstein, who got involved with the case because of its unique nature and because he was the one who answered the call when Hermitage police asked about the fortunetelling law.

Campbell said he will continue to exercise his "gift."

"God gives many gifts. It's in the Bible. Many people have my gifts," he said.

At least one of Campbell's clients agrees. "There's no doubt about it," said Diane Metz of Hermitage, a state constable and friend of Campbell who showed up for the hearing.

"He has been very accurate with his readings. He's done years of charting and journals. He has refined his ability to the point that he's on the level of a John Edward or Sylvia Browne," she said, referring to celebrity psychics. "He says we make our own destiny, but he guides you on the way."

Campbell's girlfriend Lori Vezzani is also a believer. "He is self-taught but extremely gifted since he was younger," she said. Campbell has been doing readings in the area for six years. "What happened was unjust and unfair."

Police returned his tarot cards after the dismissal.