A military doctor at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for sexually abusing several male soldiers.
Major Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist affiliated with Madigan Army Medical Center, will also lose his military pay and allowances and has received a discharge from his Army service.
Criminal Charges and Guilty Plea
On January 8, Stockin pleaded guilty to a staggering 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing, as reported by Michelle McCaskill from the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.
The judge’s decision was framed as a crucial step in seeking justice for Stockin’s victims, highlighting the enduring trauma they experienced.
An Army prosecutor noted that the court proceedings provided a platform for victims to publicly share their painful stories.
Victims Seeking Damages
Currently, 15 individuals, both active-duty and retired from JBLM, are pursuing $5 million each in damages, citing the emotional toll caused by Stockin’s actions.
Notably, JBLM is the fifth-largest military base in the U.S., located around 47 miles south of Seattle, and the Madigan Medical Center is a key medical facility within the Army structure.
After his guilty plea, 22 of the 41 victims bravely spoke out about the emotional and psychological impacts of Stockin’s abuse during the hearings.
Many shared the ongoing struggles they face, including significant physical and mental health challenges, resulting from their experiences.
Legal Actions and Future Implications
The lead prosecutor acknowledged the courage of the victims, recognizing the hardships they’ve endured throughout a protracted legal process spanning over 16 months.
Their commitment to seeking justice has been commendable, and their voices have been integral to the case.
Stockin’s attorney, Robert Capovilla, indicated that the former doctor faced the potential of a sentence exceeding 300 years.
Despite this, the court’s imposed sentence was limited to just over 13 years.
Capovilla stated that Stockin took complete responsibility for his actions, expressing hope that a path to healing could eventually emerge for both the victims and his client.
Meanwhile, lawyers for 22 of Stockin’s patients have filed complaints against the Army and the Department of Defense under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
They argue that these institutions were negligent in their hiring and supervision of Stockin, with each client seeking $5 million for their emotional suffering.
One attorney emphasized that while the sentencing offers some measure of justice, true accountability for the Army’s role in the situation remains crucial.
During the sentencing, several victims shared their stories, illustrating the profound emotional scars left by the abuse.
Many recounted ongoing struggles with anxiety and shame, which have made them hesitant to seek necessary medical care.
The investigation into Stockin began in 2022 after multiple complaints surfaced, leading to his suspension from patient care and reassignment to non-medical duties.
Formal charges emerged in August 2023, initially covering 23 counts of abusive sexual conduct.
By January 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel had compiled a total of 52 charges concerning allegations from 41 male patients treated by Stockin between 2019 and 2022.
Following his sentencing, Stockin is set to be transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he will begin his prison term.
Upon his release, he will also be mandated to register as a sex offender in accordance with federal and state laws.
Source: Militarytimes