Removing a Monument of Pain and Perversion –

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, so 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, 111. (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 j!LprlQ9’ffxlng suit Elementary School to come forward if they have any incidents to report. The prosecutor accused Savoree of the fondling the child at Savoree’s home last December, and not on school grounds. Savoree, who authorities said is single, was fired from his job Friday after the boy’s mother went to the parochial school’s board, Bernabei said. He said she went to civil authorities over the weekend. Savoree, who was appointed the school’s principal last August, was being held in the county jail on $100,000 bond. His next court appearance was scheduled March 29.

PRINCETON, 111. I API – Attorneys tentatively have chosen three juror.s to hear the trial of a former parochial-school principal charged with sexually abusing three boys who were his sixth-grade pupils. Mark Savoree, free on $200,000 bond, IS charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He IS accused of fondling the three students — two 11-year-olds and a 12-year-old – in his home last December and of having one of the youngsters fondle him. Savoree. 24. was forced to resign as principal of St. Louis i Roman i Catholic School In Princeton after one of the boys told his mother about what allegedly occurred and she went to authorities. Indicted in March, Savoree has pleaded innocent. His trial began Monday and is on only one of the four charges. ” The jurors are being chosen in groups of four. Either the defense or the prosecution may challenge any of the three tentatively selected jurors until four are chosen.

 Suit against Paris Union School District #95 and District #4

2:05-cv-02249-HAB-DGB – Doe v. Paris Union School District No. 95 et al – this was in Federal Court Central District in Illinois