Army Doctor Faces Scrutiny in Extensive Sexual Assault Investigation: Unraveling a Disturbing Case

In a deeply troubling and wide-ranging case, Major Michael D. Stockin, a 37-year-old Army doctor, has been under investigation for over a year in connection with a sprawling sexual assault case involving at least 23 alleged victims, including his own patients. Military documents obtained by The Washington Post, along with interviews with informed sources, shed light on this distressing situation that has rocked the military community.

Major Stockin could soon be facing charges, according to a senior Pentagon official and two anonymous insiders with knowledge of the investigation. While the Army has not confirmed if charges are imminent, they did state that Stockin was suspended from seeing patients in February 2022. The 23 identified victims in this case make it one of the largest sex-abuse investigations within the military in recent history. It also underscores the persistent issue of sexual assault within the Department of Defense, despite ongoing reforms. A Pentagon report from April revealed a staggering 8,942 reports of sexual assault in the previous year alone.

Stockin, who has retained legal counsel, has not publicly commented on the allegations. His attorney emphasized that the Army has maintained secrecy around the case for more than a year and stressed the importance of reserving judgment until Stockin’s right to a defense and due process is upheld.

A Decades-Long Career Under the Spotlight

Major Michael D. Stockin had been stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state since July 2019, although it remains unclear if all the alleged assaults occurred there. His military career spans a decade and includes service in Iraq, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, and at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C.

The allegations against Stockin have shaken his reputation as a physician who was well-regarded for his house calls and expert medical care. Many young female patients would often see him alone, under the guise of providing them a confidential space to discuss their health concerns. This trust in Stockin’s professionalism led many parents to dismiss their children’s complaints of abuse.

One Brave Soldier’s Account

A soldier, also a former patient of Stockin’s, was the catalyst for bringing these allegations to light. He reported Stockin to authorities after an unsettling experience during a medical appointment at Madigan Army Medical Center in January 2022. While seeking treatment for a chronic lower-back injury, the soldier recounted that Stockin asked him to drop his pants during the examination. Stockin proceeded to touch the soldier’s genitals, leaving him questioning the legitimacy of the doctor’s actions.

In a follow-up appointment, Stockin administered an injection for the soldier’s back pain in the presence of another colleague. However, when the soldier returned for a third appointment, he was informed that Stockin was no longer seeing patients. Troubled by the encounter and concerned that similar incidents might continue, the soldier eventually reported the matter to his primary-care physician.

This brave soldier’s actions set in motion an investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. Investigators have informed him that charges will be brought against Stockin by the end of August.

Allegations Beyond the Medical Realm

The Army’s investigation into Stockin extends beyond the medical realm. Court documents from Pierce County, Washington, reveal allegations of abuse in Stockin’s divorce case. In December 2022, Stockin’s wife sought a protective order against him, citing verbal abuse, harassment, and unwanted sexual contact during their marriage. Although she declined to comment further on the case, Stockin’s wife confirmed that she became aware of the Army’s investigation after filing for divorce.

Stockin, when contacted by The Washington Post, denied the allegations made by his wife, and the divorce proceedings are ongoing.

A Call for Justice and Accountability

The revelation of the Army’s investigation comes shortly after President Biden signed an executive order directing certain criminal cases, including sexual assault cases, to be handled by independent prosecutors rather than military commanders. This significant shift aims to address long-standing concerns about the military’s handling of sexual assault cases and create a more supportive environment for survivors.

As this case unfolds, it underscores the pressing need for accountability and a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual assault. The military’s track record in this regard, coupled with the transient nature of military personnel, has allowed serial offenders to evade justice. Experts suggest that more individuals may come forward, shedding light on the pervasive problem of sexual assault within the military.

Source: Army doctor scrutinized in sprawling sex abuse case | The Washington Post

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