A military physician who admitted to sexually assaulting numerous male soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison. Additionally, he has been ordered to give up all military pay and benefits, and he has been discharged from the U.S. Army.
Maj. Michael Stockin, who specialized in anesthesiology and pain management at Madigan Army Medical Center, pleaded guilty earlier this year to multiple counts, including 36 for abusive sexual contact and five for indecent viewing, as stated by a representative from the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.
“The court’s sentence appropriately holds Maj. Stockin accountable for the numerous victims he harmed,” said a Prosecutor from the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. “This trial brought to light the severe trauma inflicted by Maj. Stockin while allowing victims to publicly share their experiences.”
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is recognized as the fifth-largest military installation in the Army and is located roughly 47 miles south of Seattle. Madigan Medical Center ranks as the Army’s second-largest medical treatment facility.
Following his guilty plea, 22 out of the 41 victims spoke in court about the significant trauma and emotional strain they experienced due to Stockin’s actions. Many recounted enduring emotional, physical, and psychological harm as a direct result of his crimes.
“The resilience displayed by the victims in this case deserves commendation,” remarked the lead prosecutor. “They have lived with the consequences of Maj. Stockin’s actions for years, and the 16 months of legal proceedings leading to this court-martial have been incredibly challenging. I express my gratitude for their patience, strength, and pursuit of justice.”
Stockin’s attorney stated that despite facing potential sentences of over 300 years, the final ruling was limited to just over 13 years. “Maj. Stockin accepted full responsibility for his actions without making excuses,” the lawyer commented. “The Defense hopes that both the victims and Maj. Stockin will find a path to healing and forward movement in their lives.”
Legal representatives for 22 of Stockin’s former patients have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the Army and Department of Defense, alleging negligence in the hiring and oversight of Stockin. Each claim seeks $5 million in damages for the emotional trauma experienced.
Christine Dunn, a lawyer advocating for the victims, stated that Stockin’s sentencing gives a semblance of justice. However, for the victims, true justice requires accountability from the Army for its role in the situation. “The Army failed to protect the soldiers involved, leaving them with lasting scars,” Dunn emphasized.
During the sentencing, numerous victims detailed the emotional repercussions of the sexual abuse inflicted upon them. Many of these soldiers now struggle with anxiety and feelings of shame, with some afraid to seek necessary medical care.
An investigation against Stockin was initiated by the Army in 2022 after several complaints were lodged, which led to his suspension from patient care while being reassigned to administrative duties. Formal charges against him were filed in August 2023, with 23 counts of abusive sexual contact. By January 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel had referred a total of 52 charges, based on accusations from 41 male patients treated between 2019 and 2022.
Stockin will serve his prison sentence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Due to the nature of his criminal behavior, he will be mandated to register as a sex offender and comply with both federal and state requirements related to sex offender registration upon his release.
