Army Major Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

In a case that has rocked the U.S. military, Major Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexually abusing soldiers under his care. This development marks one of the most significant sexual abuse scandals in recent military history.

Scope of the Abuse

According to Army Times, Major Michael Stockin carried out a prolonged pattern of sexual abuse involving dozens of male patients. Investigations have confirmed that Stockin abused at least 41 victims, though authorities believe more individuals may yet come forward. His actions spanned from November 2019 to April 2022 and took place during routine medical examinations, exploiting his position of trust as a medical professional.

Stockin’s abuse involved a range of misconduct, including inappropriate touching of patients’ genitals without any medical justification, forcing patients to undress unnecessarily, groping and fondling, and spending an excessive amount of time examining their penises and testicles. He also asked invasive and unrelated questions about patients’ genitals, creating an environment of humiliation and distress for his victims. Many of these acts were performed under the guise of medical necessity, even when the injuries or complaints were unrelated to the genital area.

Initially, Dr. Stockin faced 52 criminal charges, including abusive sexual contact and indecent viewing. In a plea deal, he admitted to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and 5 counts of indecent viewing, reducing the total number of charges to 41. If the plea deal is accepted, Stockin could serve up to 14 years in prison for his crimes.

This case is considered one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in U.S. Army history, both in terms of the number of victims and the duration over which the abuse occurred. It highlights significant failures in oversight and raises critical questions about safeguarding service members from exploitation within the military medical system.

Investigation and Charges

The investigation into Major Michael Stockin’s sexual abuse began in February 2022 after multiple patients at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord reported inappropriate behavior. Following these allegations, the Army launched an immediate inquiry and removed Stockin from patient care, reassigning him to administrative duties while the investigation was underway.

Over the next 18 months, the investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse, with numerous victims coming forward. By the time the investigation concluded in mid-2023, 41 victims had been identified. In August 2023, Stockin was formally charged with 52 counts of sexual misconduct, including abusive sexual contact and indecent viewing.

As Stockin’s trial approached, he agreed to a plea deal on January 7, 2025, pleading guilty to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing. The plea agreement, which is still awaiting approval from a military judge, represents a step toward justice for the victims.

Throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, the Army maintained communication with the victims and their legal representatives.

In addition to the criminal case, a group of 21 victims has filed a civil lawsuit against the Army, alleging negligence in allowing the abuse to occur. They are seeking damages for the trauma they endured under Stockin’s care.

Victims’ Accounts

The accounts from victims of Major Michael Stockin reveal a deeply troubling pattern of sexual abuse disguised as medical treatment. One victim recounted being asked to undress and lift his gown during an examination for shoulder arthritis, only for Stockin to inappropriately focus on his groin and touch his genitals. Another victim reported being abused on three separate occasions, describing confusion and discomfort as the exams deviated significantly from typical medical practices. Many others noted that Stockin unnecessarily examined their genital areas, even when their medical complaints were entirely unrelated, such as during assessments for injuries or pain elsewhere.

A recurring theme in these accounts is the profound violation of trust. All the victims had sought medical help for legitimate health concerns, trusting Stockin as a healthcare professional to provide proper care. Instead, he exploited his authority to cross professional boundaries, asking patients to undress or perform examinations that were medically unjustified. This consistent pattern of inappropriate conduct has left victims feeling confused, uncomfortable, and traumatized.

The psychological toll of Stockin’s actions is significant. Victims described lingering feelings of betrayal and distress, with many struggling to process the abuse they endured under the guise of medical care. The nature of the allegations also points to a systematic approach to abuse, where Stockin used his position as a physician to repeatedly engage in sexual misconduct over an extended period.

These accounts raise serious concerns about patient safety and trust within military medical facilities. The case highlights the need for stricter oversight and safeguards to prevent such abuses from happening in the future.

Legal Repercussions

The legal consequences for Major Stockin, following his sexual abuse of numerous patients, are extensive and multifaceted. Just as his trial was about to begin on January 8, 2025, Stockin pleaded guilty to 41 counts—36 for abusive sexual contact and five for indecent viewing—as part of a plea agreement. If the military judge accepts the deal, Stockin could face up to 14 years in prison. While there is no mandatory minimum penalty for these charges, the severity of his actions could result in significant time behind bars.

Stockin will also likely face severe disciplinary actions from the military. Upon conviction, he is expected to be dismissed from the Army, which is the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge for officers. This would mean losing all military benefits and requiring him to register as a sex offender. Additionally, as a convicted felon, Stockin may lose rights such as voting and firearm ownership.

Calls for reform and greater leadership accountability within the military have grown louder as the details of this case come to light.

Civil Actions and Institutional Accountability

The civil actions and institutional liability in Major Michael Stockin’s case highlight significant claims against the Army and Department of Defense, focusing on their alleged negligence in hiring and supervising medical personnel.

A total of 22 victims have filed complaints under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), each seeking $5 million in damages.

These claims argue that the Army failed to protect them from Stockin’s misconduct, which was committed under the guise of medical treatment. The total claims amount to approximately $90 million, reflecting the emotional distress and trauma endured by the victims.

The complaints detail how patients were inappropriately asked to undress and subjected to unnecessary and abusive examinations. Victims contend that the Army had a duty of care to ensure their safety, but this was violated through negligent hiring and poor supervision of Dr. Stockin. In one case, a victim was instructed to see Stockin for care even after the Army had barred him from patient treatment, underscoring systemic failures in oversight.

Victims and their legal representatives emphasize that the Army’s negligence in hiring and retaining Stockin directly contributed to their abuse. While Stockin’s guilty plea is a step toward justice, many argue that true accountability must extend to the institutional level. They believe the Army must take responsibility for the systemic failures that allowed such misconduct to occur over an extended period.

Calls for Systemic Change

Major Michael Stockin’s guilty plea for sexually abusing multiple patients has sparked widespread calls for systemic change within the military healthcare system and a review by Congress. Advocacy groups like Protect Our Defenders are demanding accountability, highlighting how systemic failures allowed Stockin’s abuse to persist for years. They argue that the military must address these shortcomings to prevent future abuses. Additionally, there is a growing push to improve support for survivors of sexual assault, especially male victims, who often feel overlooked or inadequately supported. Advocates are urging reforms to ensure survivors receive proper care and resources without facing further trauma during the reporting process.

The case has also ignited discussions about legislative reforms to improve oversight and accountability in military medical facilities.

One key issue under consideration is the Feres Doctrine, which limits service members’ ability to sue the military for malpractice or abuse. Lawmakers are exploring bills that would allow service members to take legal action in cases of medical malpractice, addressing a longstanding gap in accountability.

In Congress, there are calls for a comprehensive review of hiring and supervisory practices within the military healthcare system. Advocates are pushing for investigations into how systemic failures enabled Stockin to abuse his position for so long. This review is seen as a crucial step toward identifying and fixing gaps in oversight and ensuring that patients are protected in the future.

The fallout from the Stockin case is expected to lead to significant changes in military policies. These may include stricter safeguards for patient safety, improved reporting mechanisms for abuse, and better treatment of victims within the military healthcare system.

Summing Up

Major Michael Stockin’s guilty plea represents a significant step toward justice for the dozens of soldiers he abused. However, it also raises critical questions about the systemic failures that allowed such misconduct to persist. As the military community grapples with the implications of this case, there is a pressing need for institutional introspection and reform to ensure the safety and well-being of all service members.