Court docs reveal more details about charges against Mercer County Schools employees

MERCER COUNTY, Ill. – Court documents obtained Thursday have revealed more details about criminal charges filed against the Mercer County School District Superintendent and two employees.

On Thursday, court records show all three district employees were formally charged with Official Misconduct, a Class 3 Felony.

In addition, all three were charged with Unauthorized Access to Medical Records, and Computer Tampering, both Class A Misdemeanors, court records show.

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.

New details.

According to the complaint I obtained Thursday, from around Sep. 1 to present, Farquer is accused of ordering a school nurse to disclose vaccination information to him before compiling the data into a digital document and then giving it to an unauthorized person.

Furthermore, the complaint alleges Farquer ‘knowingly and in excess of the authority granted to him as superintendent’ accessed and obtained healthcare information on the school nurse’s computer.

The identity of the unauthorized person who received the data is unknown.

As for district employees Norton and Long, the complaint alleges, from July 2019 to present, both employees ‘knowingly and in excess of the authority granted to [them] as an IT employee’ accessed and obtained healthcare information on a computer owned by the district.

Furthermore, both Norton and Long are accused of accessing and disclosing protected medical records without authority in ‘a willful and wanton manner.’

A possible motive is unknown.

According to Illinois law, any person who discloses hospital or medical information with ‘intention to cause harm or that, if not intentional, shows an utter indifference to or conscious disregard for the safety of others or their property,’ is guilty of Unauthorized Access to Medical Records.

All children in Illinois public schools are subject to certain health examination and immunization requirements in order to enroll in class or participate in sports.

According to Illinois administrative code for education, each school must appoint an ‘Official Records Custodian’ who holds responsibility for the ‘maintenance, care and security of all school student records, whether or not the records are in his or her personal custody or control.’

The school board released the following statement on their website Thursday:

“The Mercer County School Board acknowledges the recent arrests of Superintendent Timothy Farquer and two District IT staff members. We understand the seriousness of the allegations and are cooperating fully with legal counsel and relevant authorities to ensure a fair and transparent review of the facts.

Illinois school districts maintain student health records as part of students’ cumulative educational record as part of a legally recognized process. Such records are essential to ensuring student safety, compliance with state mandates, and appropriate educational support.

Under the Illinois School Student Records Act (“ISSRA”), student health records are explicitly defined as part of the student’s school record. Their use by teachers, school nurses, and support staff is not only common but necessary to meet the educational and developmental needs of our students. Moreover, the management of these records—including secure digital access—is administered by the district’s IT department, consistent with best practices and statutory obligations.

The Board emphasizes that these records are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and ISSRA, not by HIPAA or medical privacy laws applicable to healthcare providers. Their use within the school setting is lawful, regulated, and essential to the functioning of our educational mission.

We remain committed to protecting student privacy, supporting our staff, and upholding the integrity of our district. We ask the community to withhold judgment until all facts are reviewed and due process is respected.”

What’s next?

SEP. 26 UPDATE: School board members voted unanimously Friday to place Farquer on paid administrative leave and appoint interim leadership, but no updates were given on the status of Norton or Long.

The district released the following statement Friday night:

“To ensure steady leadership and a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Alan Boucher and Scott Petrie to serve as interim superintendents. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience and proven dedication to education, and the Board is confident in their ability to guide the district during this time.

Our priority remains providing a stable, supportive environment for our students, staff, and families. We are confident that with the leadership of Mr. Boucher and Mr. Petrie, Mercer County Schools will continue to thrive.

As more information comes available, the Board remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and maintaining the high standards of excellence that the community expects from its schools.“

Each of the accused employees were in court Thursday for their first appearance where a judge found enough probable cause to move forward with each of their cases. All three of them were granted pretrial release with conditions, court records show.

Jail records show all three employees were released from jail Thursday after being arrested Wednesday evening.

A preliminary hearing for Norton is set for Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. in Mercer County.

A preliminary hearing for Long is also set for Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. in Mercer County.

A preliminary hearing for Farquer is set for Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. in Mercer County.

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

COMPLAINT (Farquer)Download

COMPLAINT (Norton)Download

COMPLAINT (Long)Download

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