The two count criminal complaint filed against Mercer County High School teacher Mark Artcher alleges two victims under the age of 13. The 60 year old Artcher is facing two Class X felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child stemming from incidents in March and April. The age of the victims cited in the complaint would mean they are not old enough to be students at Mercer County High School, where Artcher teaches social studies. The charges follow an investigation by the Illinois State Police with assistance from the Aledo Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moline Police Department. Deputies arrested Artcher at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday at a local area hospital where he was being treated. Upon release from the hospital, he will be transferred to the Mercer County Jail. Artcher remained in the hospital as of Friday morning and an initial court appearance had not been scheduled. Class X felonies are punishable by 6-to-30 years in prison. Artcher was placed on leave by the school district on Wednesday. An Illinois State Police press release indicates the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated upon review by the Mercer County State’s Attorney’s Office.
