Army Physician Admits to Abusing 41 Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Madigan Army Medical Center, has pleaded guilty to 41 charges of sexual abuse involving soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The guilty plea, entered Tuesday during a court-martial, marks one of the largest military sexual abuse scandals in recent history.
Stockin, 45, admitted to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. The charges stem from allegations made by 41 male patients he treated between 2019 and 2022. His plea is pending approval by the presiding military judge.
Victims Speak Out and Seek Accountability
Lawyers for 22 victims have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, accusing them of negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining Stockin. Each victim is seeking $5 million in damages for emotional trauma.
“Dr. Stockin’s guilty plea and sentencing is an important first step toward justice for the dozens of patients he sexually abused,” said Christine Dunn, an attorney representing many of the victims. “But the Army played a substantial role in allowing the rampant sexual abuse to occur. It’s time for the Army to be held accountable for its negligence.”
One soldier described his experience in 2021 when he sought treatment for a pulled back muscle. According to his complaint, Stockin directed him to remove his pants and underwear and then fondled his genitals without wearing gloves. The soldier said the incident left him feeling violated and contributed to struggles with alcohol addiction.
Prolonged Abuse Uncovered Through Investigation
The Army launched an investigation into Stockin in 2022 after multiple complaints surfaced. He was suspended from patient care duties and formally charged with 23 counts of abusive sexual contact in August 2023. By January 2024, the charges had grown to 52, based on testimonies from 41 victims.
Stockin entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors in September 2024, admitting guilt on the first day of his court-martial.
Potential Sentence and Victim Impact Statements
The maximum sentence for a single charge of abusive sexual contact is seven years, and the indecent viewing charge carries a maximum sentence of one year. If the judge imposes consecutive sentences for all counts, Stockin could face up to 336 years in prison.
During the sentencing phase, victims are expected to give impact statements detailing how Stockin’s actions affected their lives.
