A convicted serial paedophile in Louisiana has been ordered to undergo both surgical and chemical castration after admitting to the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl, according to local station Fox 12.
Predator Sentenced Under New Law
Thomas Allen McCartney, 37, was handed a 40-year prison term after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree rape of a child under 13.
As part of a plea agreement, he consented to the unprecedented punishment, making his case one of the first since Louisiana introduced the measure.
Landmark Legal Case
Louisiana remains the only US state to permit surgical castration for sex crimes. Chemical castration has been authorised since 2008, but a law signed earlier this year extended the scope to include physical procedures.
The legislation came into effect in August, and prosecutors say McCartney’s conviction is a test case.
Arrest After Shocking Discovery
McCartney’s latest offence came to light in 2023 when a mother walked in on him abusing her seven-year-old daughter. He attempted to flee the scene while armed with a gun but was captured in Houston, Texas, shortly afterwards.
District Attorney Condemns Crime
Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright described the assault as “a horrific crime that never should have happened,” adding: “Thomas McCartney is a predator that needs to be locked away from others in our community.”
History of Sexual Offences
Court documents reveal McCartney had a long record of sexual abuse prior to his most recent conviction. He was classified as a Tier 3 sex offender in Louisiana, the highest category, after being convicted of attempted aggravated rape in 2011.
Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
Earlier charges included two counts of aggravated rape involving a 12-year-old child in 2010, and a 2006 arrest for felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Authorities said his repeat offending underscored the need for a severe sentence.
Castration Explained
Chemical castration involves administering drugs to suppress testosterone levels and reduce sex drive. Surgical castration, meanwhile, permanently removes the testicles, preventing the production of sex hormones.
Public Reaction
The ruling has drawn strong reaction across Louisiana, with victims’ advocates welcoming the move as a deterrent, while civil liberties groups questioned whether such punishment breaches constitutional protections.
Broader Debate in the US
Supporters argue castration laws provide communities with greater protection from high-risk offenders. Critics, however, say the measures could face challenges under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Likely Appeals Expected
Legal experts predict McCartney’s case may trigger further appeals and wider debate over sentencing powers in sex crime cases. For now, authorities in Vernon Parish maintain the punishment is both lawful and necessary.
