A Mercer man is charged with repeatedly beating a boy and threatening to kill him earlier this week.

Jonathan M. Watters, 37, of 123 W. Market St., was arraigned Wednesday before District Justice William L. Fagley on charges of simple assault, aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. He was released on $100,000 bond.

According to the police affidavit of probable cause, Watters entered the boy's room Monday night and assaulted him, telling the boy if he told anyone he would beat him again.

On Tuesday, Watters was taking the boy home from school when he stopped the car, pulled the boy out and punched him in the head, stomach and shoulder area, and slammed him to the ground, police said.

Police said Watters threatened to kill the boy in front of the boy's mother. Police said the boy showed signs of being beaten, including a cut on his head, bruises and scrapes from being thrown to the gravel.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively set for Friday before District Justice Ruth M. French.