Olathe ? A convicted child molester who chose to be castrated is still a threat to the public and should continue his confinement as a sexual predator, according to a report from state doctors.

Herbert L. Fox volunteered for castration in hopes of avoiding continued confinement. He was not present as attorneys and a judge met Friday to discuss the doctors’ report. A Johnson County District Court jury now will decide whether Fox, 66, will be sent to the predator unit for care and treatment.

He could be held there indefinitely, until doctors think he is no longer a threat to the public.

Fox’s next court appearance was set for Aug. 8 to give the defense time to get an independent mental-health evaluation of Fox.

He has been convicted of committing sex crimes against children in 1974, 1981 and 1990. In the most recent case, he was found guilty of sodomizing two boys, 7 and 11 years old.