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Military Doctor Sentenced to 13 Years for Abusing Dozens of Soldiers at JBLM

Updated
Jan 18, 2025 7:36 PM
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Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), received a sentence of just over 13 years in prison on Wednesday for the sexual abuse of numerous male soldiers. Stockin, who worked at Madigan Army Medical Center, admitted guilt earlier this month to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing.

Alongside his prison sentence, Stockin faced dismissal from the Army and was mandated to forfeit all pay and allowances. His sentence, notably shortened from a possible 300 years, wraps up 16 months of legal proceedings.

“The sentence imposed by the court holds Maj. Stockin is accountable for every individual he victimized through his crimes,” stated Maj. Allyson Montgomery of the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. Prosecutors emphasized the strength of the victims, who recounted the enduring trauma inflicted by Stockin’s actions.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 47 miles south of Seattle, is the Army’s fifth-largest base and is home to Madigan Army Medical Center, the second-largest military medical facility in the United States.

Robert Capovilla, Stockin’s attorney, emphasized that his client took full responsibility and conveyed a desire for healing among all parties involved. The repercussions of Stockin’s crimes reach far beyond the confines of the courtroom.

Attorneys representing 22 of Stockin’s former patients have submitted complaints under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the Army and Department of Defense, claiming negligence in the hiring, supervision, and retention of Stockin. Every victim is pursuing $5 million in compensation for the emotional and psychological distress experienced.

During the hearing, 22 victims recounted their painful experiences of the abuse and its lasting effects. “The strength of the victims in this case deserves recognition,” stated lead prosecutor Maj. Ryan Keeter.

This situation highlights the persistent difficulties in tackling misconduct in military organizations and securing justice for those who have experienced abuse.

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