Convicted child abuser Thomas Allen McCartney, currently serving 40 years in prison, is reportedly set to undergo both surgical and chemical castration.
⚠️ Content Warning: This article discusses child sexual abuse, which may be distressing for some readers.
McCartney, a sex offender from Louisiana, agreed to the procedures following his arrest for attempting to rape a child. Authorities apprehended him in 2023 after discovering him “engaging in sexual contact” with a young girl. He faced charges of attempted first-degree rape and ultimately accepted a plea deal.
The case revealed that McCartney had a long history of sexual offenses. He pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a child under 13, which also brought to light his prior crimes against minors. Records indicate he had previously been convicted of aggravated rape in 2011 and had arrests in both 2006 and 2010 on charges related to child sexual abuse.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, McCartney will serve a 40-year prison sentence and undergo both surgical and chemical castration.
The law, however, does not force a prisoner to undergo castration.
The Vernon Parish district attorney issued a statement, saying:
“This is a horrific crime that never should have happened. Thomas McCartney is a predator that needs to be locked away from others in our community.”
Louisiana became the first state last year to legalize surgical castration as a punishment for those convicted of sex crimes against children. The procedure involves removing reproductive organs to halt hormone production. Other states permit chemical castration, which reduces sex drive through medication.
The new law, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, grants judges the authority to order castration for certain offenders. It applies to those convicted of aggravated sex crimes such as rape, incest, or offenses against children under 13. Judges ultimately determine whether to impose the procedure.
The surgery must be conducted by a licensed physician, with a court-appointed medical expert reviewing each case beforehand. Offenders can technically refuse the procedure, but doing so results in additional prison time without parole.
Judges are prohibited from ordering castration for offenders under the age of 17.
Louisiana Democratic Rep. Delisha Boyd, who sponsored the legislation, addressed critics who claim offenders are forced into the procedure. She said:
“Some of the critics say, you know, that’s cruel and unusual punishment. Well, I disagree. I think the cruel and usual punishment was the rape of that 5 year old.”
Boyd defended the bill as a measure to protect children from future abuse, emphasizing:
“These predators have to be stopped,” adding, “Even if just one rapist changes his mind about raping a child, I will take that.”
However, the measure has drawn criticism. Defense attorney Gwyneth O’Neill of New Orleans, representing the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the punishment is extreme, cruel, and potentially unconstitutional. O’Neill explained:
“Surgical castration is generally considered, or was considered, to be sort of like the paradigmatic example of cruel and unusual punishment, because it’s a form of physical mutilation. It’s barbaric.”
For those affected by child abuse and in need of confidential help, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The hotline serves the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
