In anticipation of his arraignment scheduled for Friday, Major Michael Stockin, a physician in the Army, faces accusations of sexual abuse involving numerous patients at Madigan Army Medical Center, located near Tacoma, Washington.
Two of these former patients detailed to CBS News incidents they allege constituted a breach of their trust.
A soldier, who had sought consultation with the Army physician for shoulder pain, reported, “Myself and Dr. Stockin were left alone in the room. He first checked my shoulders and then he asked me to stand up and to pull down my pants and lift up my gown. Dr. Stockin, he was face level with my groin, and he started touching my genitals.”
Both individuals, now retired after serving over 20 years in the Army, including three combat tours each, provided exclusive interviews to CBS News, detailing alleged misconduct that occurred under the guise of medical treatment.
They recounted visits to a physician whom they expected to alleviate their pain, only to experience further distress.
One of the interviewees, a retired sergeant first class, who initially sought assistance from the doctor for managing arthritis in his shoulders, expressed initial bewilderment at Stockin’s extensive examination.
The other, a retired command sergeant major, disclosed being subjected to sexual abuse by Stockin on three occasions.
He described undergoing a similar thorough assessment, which left him puzzled, and recounted his efforts to comprehend why he received such treatment.
Army Doctor Charged: 48 Counts of Sexual Contact
Stockin is facing charges from the Army for 48 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing under the military code of justice.
The Army has confirmed that all 42 individuals who allege victimization at the clinic at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are male.
Although Stockin has been suspended from attending to patients, his medical license remains active, as per the Washington State Department of Health database.
Robert Capovilla, an attorney representing Stockin, has urged the public to reserve judgment until the case is adjudicated.
The documents contain accusations that Stockin sought to conceal any sexual abuse of patients by falsely asserting a “medical purpose” for his actions.
Several individuals’ accounts of the purported misconduct outlined a consistent sequence. During visits to the military center’s pain management clinic, patients, left alone with Stockin, were reportedly instructed to disrobe.
Allegedly, Stockin, functioning as an anesthesiologist, then proceeded to examine their lower bodies and engage in inappropriate touching, as asserted by numerous soldiers.
According to OSTC, the number of purported victims who have come forward suggests that this case could result in one of the largest sexual assault prosecutions by the Army.