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Army Doctor Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Soldiers
A military doctor has received a prison sentence of over 13 years for his involvement in the sexual abuse of numerous male soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The individual, Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist associated with the Madigan Army Medical Center, was also mandated to forfeit all pay and benefits and has been dismissed from the U.S. Army.
Maj. Stockin entered a guilty plea on January 8, confessing to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing, according to Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.
Maj. Allyson Montgomery, representing the prosecution, emphasized the significance of the court’s ruling, stating, “The sentence imposed by the court holds Maj. Stockin accountable for every person he victimized through his crimes. The results of this proceeding shine a light on the trauma caused by Maj. Stockin by allowing the voices of every victim to be heard in a public hearing.”
Located approximately 47 miles south of Seattle, JBLM is recognized as the Army’s fifth-largest base, while the Madigan medical center stands as the Army’s second-largest medical facility.
Following his guilty plea, 22 of Stockin’s 41 victims provided testimonies regarding the emotional and psychological pain they experienced due to his misconduct. Many victims articulated the long-lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars left by Stockin’s actions.
“The resilience of the victims in this case should be celebrated,” remarked lead prosecutor Maj. Ryan Keeter. “They have been living with the trauma stemming from Maj. Stockin’s actions for years. The last 16 months of legal proceedings leading to this court-martial have not been easy. I thank them for their patience, their strength, and their determination for justice.”
In a discussion aired on “CBS Mornings” last February, two male victims recounted their experiences of alleged misconduct during medical care administered by Stockin. One victim, seeking help for arthritis, described feeling “very confused” during his examination when Stockin asked him to disrobe. He recounted that Stockin was positioned at eye level with his groin while engaging in inappropriate touching.
Another victim claimed to have been sexually abused on three separate occasions. He struggled to articulate the dissimilarity of his experiences with Stockin compared to previous medical consultations. “Even with my wife, I couldn’t bring myself to talk through what happened,” he expressed, emphasizing the discomfort he felt.
Stockin’s defense attorney, Robert Capovilla, noted that the doctor could have faced over 300 years in prison; however, his sentence was ultimately limited to just over 13 years. “Major Stockin took full responsibility for his actions and made no excuses,” Capovilla stated in an email. He expressed hope that both the victims and Stockin might find a way to heal and move on from the situation.
In a civil response, attorneys representing 22 of Stockin’s former patients have initiated Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense, claiming negligence in Stockin’s hiring and supervision. Each complaint seeks $5 million in damages for the emotional distress experienced by the servicemen.
Victim advocate Christine Dunn remarked that while Stockin’s sentencing offers a semblance of justice, true accountability necessitates action against the Army for its contribution to the circumstances surrounding the abuse. Dunn stated in an email, “The Army failed their clients and other victims, scarring them for life.”
During the sentencing, numerous victims articulated the profound emotional repercussions of Stockin’s sexual abuse on their lives, with many now grappling with anxiety and shame, and some feeling apprehensive about seeking medical attention in the future.
The Army initiated an investigation into Stockin in 2022 after receiving various complaints, leading to his suspension from patient care and reassignment to administrative roles. In August 2023, formal charges were brought against him, culminating in a total of 52 charges related to allegations made by 41 male patients treated between 2019 and 2022.
Maj. Stockin is set to be transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to serve his prison sentence. Following his release, he will be required to register as a sex offender and comply with both federal and state sex offender registration mandates.
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