November 14, 2014
PARIS, IL. (ECWd) –
We recently reported the RIDES Mass Transit District had purchased the former Ford dealership building in Paris, Illinois to use as its Edgar County office and maintenance shop (article here). The purchase price was around $635,000.
Since we have coincidentally been reporting on perverts the past few days, we might as well add this one to the list.
It is my understanding that the stone monument on the front of the building will be removed and replaced with one that denotes RIDES MTD.
The stone placed there by the former owner was held by many as a monument of pain, suffering, and perversion. I cannot fathom knowingly doing any type of business with a person that has a history like this one, but it must not bother everyone like it bothers others.
It has been a constant reminder to those abused by the former owner, Mark Savoree, who incidentally has been in good favor of many local individuals that perceive themselves to be “power players” in our small community.
It shows their character also.
The history of the former owner:
Savoree left Paris and moved to Princeton, Illinois in the 1980s to work at the Catholic School as a Principal. While there, he was arrested, charged, and convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of minor children. These boys aged 11 and 12 years old were students at that school - 5th and 6th grades!. The case went to trial and Savoree was convicted.
Mark Savoree – Princeton, Illinois, Bureau County – August 15, 1985
Charged on 4 counts relating to sexual abuse at the Princeton, Illinois, St. Louis Catholic Elementary School where he worked as Principal.
(Information as of 1985) – St. Louis Grade School, Princeton, Illinois 61356
CONVICTED on: Count 1 – Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – and – Count 2 – Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
Sentenced to: 6 months in the Bureau County Jail – 4 years probation – Sexual Abuse Counseling with Dr. Grimes in Charleston, Illinois
Savoree moved back to Paris after these convictions and unfortunately, the laws requiring sex offenders to register were not yet implemented, and he is not required to register. However, he is still forbidden to be in places that children frequent, including schools. Which is why we believe that he is the person, the “John Doe” that sued the Paris School District 95 and District 4 a few years ago wanting to attend events at the High School/Junior High that his children were participating in. Incidentally, that suit was under the name of “John Doe”.
On moving back to Paris, he “acquired” several Ford dealerships and has sold those in the past few years (which show FORD’s character). He is also active in the real estate rental market.
Newspaper Archives from 1985
In sexual abuse case Principal charged PRINCETON, Ill. (AP) -The 24-year-old principal of a Roman Catholic elementary school has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving an 11-year-old boy. Mark Savoree, who was the boy’s sixth-grade teacher, would face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges filed against him. Bureau County State’s Attorney Marc Bemabei, who said he lodged the two-count charge Tuesday, said Wednesday he expects a special county grand jury later this month to file additional charges in the case. Bernabei asked other children at the St. Louis Elementary School to come forward if they have…
Read the rest of this comprehensive article by clicking this link
