JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Unit has secured the civil commitment of Thomas Savage following a successful jury trial in Jackson County. The jury determined that Savage meets the legal criteria to be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator under Missouri law, resulting in his commitment to the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) for control, care, and treatment.
“Protecting Missouri children is one of our highest priorities,” said General Hanaway. “As families prepare for Halloween celebrations across the state, this commitment helps ensure that a dangerous sexual predator can no longer pose a threat to Missouri children. Our office will continue aggressively pursuing every available legal avenue to protect communities and prevent future victimization.”
The Attorney General’s Office SVP Unit pursues the civil commitment of offenders previously convicted of sexually violent offenses who suffer from a mental abnormality that makes them more likely than not to reoffend if not confined.
Savage has a documented history of sexual offenses and related supervision violations. In 2004, he pleaded guilty in Jackson County to first-degree child molestation, first-degree statutory sodomy, second-degree statutory sodomy, and attempted second-degree statutory rape involving multiple victims under the age of twelve. More recently, he was arrested and charged after causing a disturbance at an apartment complex and residing within 1,000 feet of an early childhood center. Later, he was found in a park approaching children and offering “goodie bags” containing candy, toys, and coloring books. He was subsequently charged with being a sex offender within 500 feet of a park, and the Attorney General’s Office filed a petition to commit him as a Sexually Violent Predator.
At trial, multiple psychologists testified that Savage suffers from Pedophilic Disorder. The jury determined that Savage suffers from a mental abnormality that makes him more likely than not to commit future acts of sexual violence if not confined in a secure facility.
On October 30, 2026, following a jury trial, Savage was found to be a Sexually Violent Predator and was ordered to be committed to the custody of DMH for control, care, and treatment.
The case was tried by Assistant Attorneys General Ted Bruce and Paige Wheeler.
As Halloween approaches, the Attorney General’s Office reminds Missourians that registered sex offenders remain subject to restrictions under Missouri law. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity involving children to local law enforcement.
Missourians with information regarding sexual offenders or concerns involving child safety are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or submit a report to ago.mo.gov.