A former Mercer County teacher accused of sexually abusing three children younger than 13 has entered an Alford plea in the case.
On Monday, 61 year old Mark Artcher, of Aledo, entered the plea to one count of attempted criminal sexual abuse in Mercer County Circuit Court. He initially faced one count of predatory criminal sexual abuse and two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but agrees that prosecutors could likely prove the charge at trial.
Online court records show he was sentenced to 24 months of probation and 180 days in jail, of which he will serve 90 days. He will receive credit for one day already served. He must turn himself in to serve the sentence on January 3rd, online court records show.
Artcher also must register as a sex offender for 10 years, obtain a sex offender management board evaluation within 90 days, and complete any recommended treatment within 18 months. Online court records show he is prohibited from using social media and cannot have any contact with non-family minors unless supervised.
Artcher was arrested in April 2019 and placed on leave from the district. Scott Petrie, superintendent of the Mercer County School District, said Artcher resigned effective November 16th.