Official announcements from the Department of Defense or military healthcare system

Army Doctor Faces 14 Years After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Abuse of 41 Soldiers at JBLM

Jan 9, 2025, 01:20 PM

Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, has pleaded guilty to 41 charges of sexual misconduct involving 41 male soldiers under his care. The charges include 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. Stockin's actions, which occurred between 2019 and 2022, involved inappropriate touching and invasive examinations under the guise of medical treatment. The abuse was uncovered following a 2022 investigation prompted by patient complaints. Stockin faced 52 charges initially, but a plea deal reduced the charges to 41. He could face up to 14 years in prison if the plea deal is accepted by a military judge. Victims have also filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, alleging negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining Stockin, with each seeking $5 million in damages. Advocacy groups have called this case one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in recent military history, urging accountability and systemic reform within the military medical system.