Jackson County Man Committed as Sexually Violent Predator

Thomas Savage, 72, was committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health on October 30 after a Jackson County jury classified him as a Sexually Violent Predator. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway confirmed the verdict, which marks the first step in a long-term civil confinement process.

The SVP Unit pursues cases where an offender has a prior conviction for a sexually violent crime and suffers from a mental abnormality that increases the likelihood of reoffending. Savage’s legal record dates to 2004, when he pleaded guilty to first-degree child molestation, first-degree statutory sodomy, second-degree statutory sodomy, and attempted second-degree statutory rape. The victims in that case were multiple children under the age of 12.

Recent events prompted the state to file a new petition for commitment. Officials reported that Savage was arrested for causing a disturbance at an apartment complex while living within 1,000 feet of an early childhood center. He was also charged with being a sex offender within 500 feet of a park after approaching children and offering them goodie bags filled with candy, toys, and coloring books.

During the trial, multiple psychologists testified that Savage suffers from Pedophilic Disorder. The presiding judge ruled that this condition constitutes a mental abnormality making him likely to commit acts of violence if not held in a secure facility.

Savage now resides in a specialized unit within the Department of Mental Health. His status as a Sexually Violent Predator means he will be subject to periodic reviews to determine if he continues to meet the legal threshold for confinement.