Army Doctor Michael Stockin Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Dozens

Army Doctor Michael Stockin Guilty of Sexual Abuse: Largest Military Sexual Misconduct Case

In a landmark case for military justice, Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, pleaded guilty to 41 charges of sexual misconduct, including 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. This plea, entered on January 7, 2025, follows allegations that Stockin’s misconduct involved inappropriate touching and invasive examinations that were not medically justified, targeting male patients at Madigan Army Medical Center between November 2019 and April 2022.

This case, one of the largest sexual abuse prosecutions in U.S. military history, underscores systemic issues in handling sexual misconduct within the armed forces. The Army launched an investigation in February 2022 after multiple complaints, which led to Stockin’s suspension from patient care.

Victim Impact and Legal Repercussions

The guilty plea has brought a sense of relief to victims, but the emotional and psychological toll remains significant. Many have reported trauma, anxiety, and fear, with some avoiding necessary medical care due to the distress caused by Stockin’s actions.

Christine Dunn, an attorney representing victims, has emphasized that the Army shares responsibility for enabling Stockin’s abuse, highlighting systemic negligence. Victims have filed a civil lawsuit seeking $5 million per person in damages, further spotlighting the Army’s accountability.

Potential Sentencing

Stockin faces a potential 10 to 14 years in prison, pending a military judge’s final ruling. Advocacy groups like Protect Our Defenders have called for military reform to better support survivors of sexual assault and to prevent similar incidents.

External Resources

For more details on the case, visit the New York Times coverage.