- Major Michael Stockin, a pain doctor, faces 47 counts of sexual assault
- Dozens of male soldiers who were treated by Stockin at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Madigan Army Medical Center say he groped them
A high-ranking military doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of male soldiers whom he treated at a US Army base in Washington state.
Maj. Michael Stockin, a pain doctor, faces 47 counts of sexual assault in a case that would be one of the largest of its kind in the history of the US military, it was reported. fox13.
Dozens of male soldiers who were treated by Stockin at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Madigan Army Medical Center say he groped them under the guise of a sensory examination.
Ryan Guilds, a lawyer for several victims, told the local media that his clients sometimes have bad days “because of what happened to them” or because “they face what happened to them.”
The trial is likely to be postponed until next year, and Guilds says the delay makes the situation even more difficult for its clients.
Maj. Michael Stockin, a pain doctor, faces 47 counts of sexual assault in a case that would be one of the largest of its kind in the history of the U.S. military.
“They’re soldiers, so I think they’ll screw it up and do the best they can,” the lawyer said. “Ultimately, they are trying to move forward and what is obviously a long process, and now, after today, it is longer.”
Authorities say there could be more victims and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Charging documents say Stockin attempted to cover up the sexual abuse by saying it was for a “medical purpose,” as reported by CBS News.
In February, two of Stockin’s alleged victims spoke anonymously to C.B.S.saying that the doctor betrayed his trust.
One of the soldiers, who went to see the doctor because of pain in his shoulder, said: ‘Dr Stockin and I were left alone in the room. He first checked my shoulders and then he asked me to get up, pull down my pants and lift up my robe.
‘Dr. Stockin, he was level with my groin and started touching my genitals.
The soldier, a retired command sergeant major, said Stockin sexually abused him three times.
Another soldier, a command sergeant major allegedly abused by the doctor, said the experience left him with emotional trauma.
He said: “Even with my wife I didn’t dare talk about what happened… I felt very uncomfortable.”
Stockin previously worked at other Army installations in DC and Hawaii, but all victims were treated at the Army hospital located at JBLM.
He did not enter a plea during his court appearance in February, but may still do so at a later date.
His attorney, Robert Capovilla, has said: “We understand, without exception, that in today’s political culture, the media will continue to condemn Commander Stockin and hand down a sentence before a jury or judge hears the evidence.”
Capovilla added that he intends to fight any and all allegations against his client.