Local military doctor pleads guilty to 40+ sexual abuse charges
SEATTLE - A local doctor pleaded guilty in military court Tuesday to a total of 41 specifications, a term for charges, tied to sexual abuse – 36 specifications for abusive sexual contact, and five specifications for indecent viewing.
Major Michael Stockin is likely to face dismissal from the military and a lengthy prison sentence, if the military accepts the plea he entered on Tuesday. According to a lawyer who represents a number of the victims, Stockin will likely face nine to 13 years behind bars.
Stockin has been accused by multiple military members of touching their genitals under the "guise of medical treatment," while working at a pain clinic at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
A total of 41 victims have come forward, but lawyers believe there are additional victims who haven’t shared their stories yet, given that Stockin served at multiple military installations, including time at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, and served in Hawaii.
On top of the 41 men who have accused Stockin of sexual abuse, a number of additional victims have filed charges through the civil court system, accusing the military of failing its duty to protect them.
Featured
JBLM doctor accused of sexually abusing 40+ patients appears in court
A JBLM doctor accused of sexually abusing dozens of male patients remains out of custody following his arraignment on Friday.
In December, FOX 13 Seattle reported on four new victims who filed federal tort claims against the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense, accusing the Army of negligence.
"This is just in this one installation — what did they know, what didn’t they know and what they could have done to prevent this remain open questions," said Ryan Guilds of Arnold & Porter.
Guilds told FOX 13 Seattle that the men he represents are thankful that they’re nearing the finish line of the criminal proceedings. He says it was difficult for them to come forward, and many grappled with the decision.
"This has been a years-long journey. Many of them didn’t even know they were victims of the crime," said Guilds. "To learn that and have this process play out over two-plus years has been incredibly challenging."
Over the next several days, military lawyers will discuss the facts surrounding each individual charge, and what exactly Stockin is pleading guilty to. After that work is finished, a judge will determine whether they are willing to accept the plea deal as it has been proposed.
Meanwhile, the military is still investigating a number of claims made against it, including the federal tort claims that have been filed against the Army. A spokesperson for the military tells FOX 13 Seattle they are reviewing all potential litigation tied to Major Stockin to ensure they have legal sufficiency before moving forward to investigate the allegations themselves.
BEST OF FOX 13 SEATTLE
New 2025 laws that are now in effect in WA
Orca Tahlequah seen pushing second dead calf in WA waters
WA skiers demand action as 'rampant' thefts plague Stevens Pass
Here's when you'll need REAL ID to go through US airport security
New restaurants coming to Seattle in 2025
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.