Louisiana Man Sentenced to Castration for Attempted Child Rape
A Louisiana man has been sentenced to undergo both surgical and chemical castration after admitting to the attempted sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl, officials confirm.
Thomas Allen McCartney, classified as a “Tier Three” sex offender with an extensive history of child sexual abuse, accepted the plea agreement on Tuesday. This arrangement pertains to charges of attempting first-degree rape against a minor under the age of 13.
At 37 years old, McCartney consented to the dual method of castration and will additionally serve a 40-year prison term, according to reports.
The plea follows a shocking incident from February 2023, when a mother discovered McCartney allegedly in the act of assaulting her daughter. He attempted to evade capture by brandishing a firearm and eventually fled across state lines, only to be apprehended later at a hotel in Houston. He was subsequently extradited back to Louisiana.
Court documents outline that McCartney has a prior conviction for attempted aggravated rape and has faced charges related to two counts of aggravated rape of a 12-year-old in 2010, alongside a charge of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile from 2006.
"This heinous crime should never have occurred. Thomas McCartney is a predator who must remain confined away from our community," stated Terry Lambright, the District Attorney for Vernon Parish.
Louisiana is the first state to allow judges to mandate surgical castration for individuals convicted of specific sex crimes against minors, following legislation enacted by Republican Governor Jeff Landry last year.
Supporters of this statute, effective from August 1, 2024, believe it will discourage individuals from engaging in child sexual offenses. Conversely, critics consider it “cruel and unusual” punishment, asserting that it violates the U.S. Constitution.
Chemical castration typically uses medication to diminish testosterone levels, thereby reducing sexual drive, while surgical castration involves the removal of the testicles to halt the production of sex hormones.
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