A military doctor has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing dozens of soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where they sought care primarily for pain management. Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the base's Madigan Army Medical Center, faced 52 charges concerning claims of abusive sexual conduct involving 41 victims, according to Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. On Tuesday, Stockin pleaded guilty to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five counts of indecent viewing, with his pleas pending approval from a military judge.

The allegations have been described by the group Protect Our Defenders as the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent military history, prompting calls for a congressional review. Lawyers representing 22 of Stockin's former patients have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense, claiming negligence in his hiring, supervision, and retention. Each serviceman involved is seeking $5 million in damages for the emotional distress they claim to have suffered.

One serviceman detailed feelings of "overwhelming sadness, fear, and anxiety" stemming from his experiences with Stockin. Christine Dunn, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, stated, "Dr. Stockin's guilty plea and sentencing is an important first step toward justice for the dozens of patients he sexually abused. But the story doesn’t end here. The Army played a substantial role in allowing the rampant sexual abuse to occur in the first place. The time has come for the Army to be held accountable for its negligence."

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located approximately 47 miles south of Seattle, is the U.S. Army's fifth-largest base, supporting over 100,000 personnel, including 40,000 active duty members. The Army initiated an investigation into Stockin in 2022 after multiple complaints surfaced. Following his suspension from patient care and administrative duties, Stockin faced formal charges in August 2023 for 23 counts of abusive sexual contact.

In January 2024, the Army Office referred 52 charges stemming from allegations involving 41 male patients treated between 2019 and 2022. Stockin's guilty plea came as part of a plea agreement, marking the beginning of his court-martial, the military's version of trial proceedings.

The consequences for Stockin could be severe, with the potential maximum sentence for an abusive sexual contact charge being seven years, while the indecent viewing charge carries up to one year. If sentenced consecutively, the total maximum could reach 336 years in prison.

As the case moves into the sentencing phase, many of the victims plan to provide impact statements describing the lasting effects of their experiences. One serviceman recounted a traumatic encounter during a visit for pelvic pain treatment, stating he was advised by Stockin to remove his pants, leading to inappropriate contact that left him feeling violated.

Another victim echoed similar sentiments, struggling profoundly with the aftermath of his experiences, stating, "I do believe this directly led to exacerbating my drinking because I did not know how to cope with this trauma," remarking on the year he spent battling substance abuse before seeking treatment.

This distressing case underscores the critical need for systemic improvements in oversight and accountability within military healthcare settings.

For more details, check the original articles from CBS News and AP News.