A Norwich drug and alcohol counselor charged with sexually assaulting a young girl turned down an offer Monday in New London Superior Court to plead guilty in exchange for a two-year prison sentence followed by 10 years of strict probation.

Richard E. Drena, 66, of Willimantic was charged in July 2018 with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

He is free on bond while his case is pending. His license to practice as a drug and alcohol counselor has been suspended, according to state Department of Public Health.

Drena is accused of sexually assaulting the girl at his home in Willimantic and at his office at 5 Town St. in Norwich over a number of years, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

The girl, now in her teens, told investigators Drena would ask her sexual questions and show her what he said were "artistic" pictures of genitals on his desktop computer at his office. She said he took off his clothing, asked her to massage him in a sexual manner and, according to another witness, pulled down the alleged victim's pants during "tickle fights."

The child's mother told police she noticed "some odd interaction" between her daughter and Drena, but let him spend time with the child because he said he had treated children with reactive attachment disorder and led her to believe the child has the disorder. The mother said she made it a rule that Drena and the child were not allowed to be alone together after observing "inappropriate behavior" between the two of them but that Drena continued to have contact with the child.

On Monday, Judge Hillary B. Strackbein questioned Drena to ensure he understands that if convicted, he faces the possibility of being sentenced to more than 25 years in prison. He said he understood and left with his attorney, Mark Sherman. The case is being prosecuted by attorney Theresa Anne Ferryman.

k.florin@theday.com