Another delay in the criminal case against Mercer County High School teacher Mark Artcher. He appeared in Mercer County Circuit Court this morning where his attorney asked for a continuance. A new pre-trial conference is now set for February 25th. The 61-year-old Artcher was arrested last April and faces a Class X felony of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two Class 2 felonies of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The charges allege three different victims under the age of 13. Artcher remains free on $100,000 bond and was placed on leave by the school district last April. Class X felonies are punishable by a term of 6-to-30 years in prison while Class 2 felonies carry a prison term of 3-to-7 years upon conviction.
