A Mercer County High School teacher has been arrested and charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, which are Class X Felonies.
According to the Illinois State Police, 60-year-old Mark Artcher was arrested following an investigation completed by ISP with the assistance of the Aledo Police Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and Moline Police Department.
He was arrested at a local area hospital after receiving treatment at around 2:30 p.m. yesterday and was secured at the Mercer County Jail.
The investigation are ongoing, and more charges are anticipated upon review of the case by the Mercer County State’s Attorney’s office.
The Mercer County School District released a statement indicating that Artcher was placed on leave on Wednesday and the district is assisting the investigation.
WRMJ Aledo is reporting that the chargers indicate that the children involved in the alleged incident were under the age of 13 and one incident occurred in March while the other occurred in April.
A Class X felony carries a 6-30 year prison sentence if convicted.
More to come on this story as it develops.
