Military doctor pleads guilty to dozens of sexual abuse charges
Share:
A military doctor has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing dozens of soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord who had primarily sought his care for pain management. Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the base’s Madigan Army Medical Center, faced 52 charges involving claims of abusive sexual contact with 41 victims, said Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson with the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.
Stockin pleaded guilty Tuesday to 36 specifications, or counts, of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, McCaskill said Wednesday. His pleas are subject to the military judge's approval, she said. Stockin's lawyer, Robert Capovilla, did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Wednesday.
The group Protect Our Defenders called the Stockin case the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent history and called for a congressional review. Lawyers representing 22 of Stockin's former patients have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and Department of Defense on behalf of 22 servicemen, claiming the agencies were negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Stockin. Each is seeking $5 million in damages for the emotional distress they say they have suffered.
One serviceman said in his complaint that he was left with “overwhelming feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety" after allegedly being abused by Stockin. “Dr. Stockin’s guilty plea and sentencing is an important first step toward justice for the dozens of patients he sexually abused. But the story doesn’t end here," said Christine Dunn, a lawyer representing the men. “The Army played a substantial role in allowing the rampant sexual abuse to occur in the first place. The time has come for the Army to be held accountable for its negligence. ”.
