Mercer Co. Schools Superintendent, two employees, charged with official misconduct

ALEDO, Ill. — The Mercer County School District Superintendent and two employees were charged with official misconduct Wednesday after police say they illegally accessed students’ medical records.

According to Aledo Police and the Mercer County State’s Attorney, investigators collected enough evidence to execute a search warrant at the district’s office in Joy on Wednesday, where electronic devices were seized as evidence.

Police said the investigation stems from a complaint of district employees illegally accessing medical records of students in the district, but did not provide a motive.

As a result of the investigation, authorities say three district employees were charged with Official Misconduct, a Class 4 Felony. They were also charged with Unauthorized Access to Medical Records, and Computer Tampering, both Class A Misdemeanors.

The following employees were charged:

• Timothy Farquer, 53, of Williamsfield, became Superintendent in June 2024.

• Amberly Norton, 41, of Aledo, is listed on the district’s website as ‘Technology Support’ for Mercer Co. High School.

• Andrea Long, 41, of Aledo, is listed as ‘Tech Worker’ for Apollo Elementary.

Jail records show all three were booked into Mercer County Jail Wednesday evening and will remain in custody pending an initial court appearance.

Aledo Police were assisted by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

This is the second straight superintendent to face criminal charges in this district. In 2019, Farquer’s predecessor Scott Petrie pled Guilty to OWI. He was sentenced to one year of probation with 118 days in jail suspended, court records show.

No further details were provided.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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