Army Doctor Admits Guilt in Massive Sexual Abuse Scandal at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Washington, January 8, 2025 - In a significant development in one of the largest sexual abuse cases within the military, Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Madigan Army Medical Center, has pleaded guilty to dozens of sexual abuse charges.
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington, January 8, 2025 – In a significant development in one of the largest sexual abuse cases within the military, Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Madigan Army Medical Center, has pleaded guilty to dozens of sexual abuse charges. His guilty plea was entered on the first day of his court-martial, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the numerous victims involved.
Stockin faced 52 charges related to claims of abusive sexual contact with 41 victims, primarily male soldiers who sought his care for pain management issues between 2019 and 2022. He admitted to 36 specifications of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. His plea is subject to approval by the military judge, with sentencing expected to follow.
The case has brought to light significant concerns about oversight and accountability within the military’s medical community. Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, confirmed the details of the charges and the plea, noting that this case could represent one of the most extensive instances of sexual misconduct by a single service member in recent military history.
Victims’ advocates and legal representatives have been vocal about the systemic issues that allowed such abuse to persist. “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,” stated Christine Dunn, a lawyer representing several of the men. She emphasized that the Army itself must be held accountable for negligence that enabled the abuse.
The Army launched an investigation into Stockin in 2022 following multiple complaints, leading to his suspension from patient care and eventual formal charges in August 2023. The scope of the investigation expanded as more victims came forward, culminating in the current charges.
The legal proceedings have sparked a broader dialogue about military sexual trauma, with calls for congressional review to ensure such abuses are not repeated. Protect Our Defenders, an advocacy group, has labeled this as a landmark case, urging for systemic changes to protect service members from abuse within the ranks.
As the military court moves to the sentencing phase, where numerous victims are planning to make impact statements, the focus remains on not only punishing the perpetrator but also on the Army taking responsibility for the environment that permitted such misconduct. The maximum penalty for the charges, if sentenced consecutively, could see Stockin facing hundreds of years in prison, though plea agreements typically result in lesser sentences.
