Army doctor pleads guilty to sexual misconduct with patients
- Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army anesthesiologist, faces accusations of sexual misconduct from over 40 patients.
- He has reached a plea deal with prosecutors, with the trial scheduled for January 2025.
- The case highlights significant concerns regarding patient safety and the Army's handling of such allegations.
Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army anesthesiologist at Madigan Army Medical Center, has reached a plea deal after being accused of sexual misconduct by over 40 patients. The allegations led to 47 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing, marking one of the largest prosecutions of its kind in the Army. The plea agreement is expected to be entered in January 2025, coinciding with the scheduled trial date. Stockin remains suspended from patient care but continues to hold administrative duties in a non-clinical role. Allegations include inappropriate examinations and sexual abuse, with victims expressing confusion and discomfort during their encounters with him. In addition to the criminal case, several alleged victims have filed civil complaints against the Army and the Defense Department, claiming negligence in protecting them from abuse. The Army has confirmed the plea deal but has not disclosed further details, indicating that more information will be available at the trial's commencement. If convicted on all charges, Stockin could have faced a lengthy prison sentence, highlighting the severity of the accusations and the impact on the victims involved.