The attorney for Mercer County High School teacher Mark Artcher is demanding a speedy trial. That would mean within 160 days of the date he posted bond, which was April 29th. Artcher’s attorney—Katherine Drummond of Rock Island has also already filed a motion for discovery in advance of her client’s May 13th preliminary hearing. Artcher is charged with a Class X felony of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two Class 2 felonies of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child. The counts involve three different victims under the age of 13. Artcher remains free on $100,000 bond and was placed on leave by the Mercer County School District last week.
