PORT ALLEN, La. -- A convicted child molester in Louisiana has undergone surgical castration to win release from prison on parole.

Francis Phillip Tullier, who had faced hundreds of molestation counts involving young girls, pleaded guilty to three counts in 1999 and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. He is now 78.

His lawyer, Nathan Fisher, said that under the agreement Tullier could only be eligible for parole once he underwent castration.

A sheriff's investigator said Tullier agreed to have the surgery at his own expense. It was done Thursday after years of delays while Tullier was treated for various medical issues.

The Advocate newspaper reports that Tullier is due for release next week. He will live in Iberville Parish and has to register as a sex offender.

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Information from: The Advocate,http:/ / www.2theadvocate.com

(This version CORRECTS to show that investigator, not attorney, said surgery was at Tullier's expense.)