Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announce the arrest of Mercer County High School teacher Mark R. Artcher. The 60 year old Artcher was arrested today and charged with two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (Class X Felonies) after a thorough investigation completed by ISP Investigators, with the assistance of the Aledo Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moline Police Department.
Deputies arrested Artcher at approximately 2:30 p.m. at a local area hospital where he was being treated. Upon release from the hospital, Artcher will be secured at the Mercer County Jail.
The investigation is currently open and ongoing. Additional charges are anticipated upon review by the Mercer County State’s Attorney.
No other information has been released at this time.
Class X felony offenses are punishable by 6-to-30 years in prison upon conviction.
The following is a statement released from Mercer County School District superintendent Scott Petrie: “On April 24, 2019, the District placed Mr. Artcher on leave after it was made aware by local law enforcement of a situation involving allegations of child abuse. An investigation by DCFS, multiple law enforcement agencies, and the Mercer County State’s Attorney is ongoing. The District is cooperating fully in this matter. Given the active status of the investigation, the District cannot comment any further on this personnel issue.”