An Army physician who faces dozens of charges of sexual abuse — including allegations of touching patients and invading their privacy — appeared in court for the first time Friday, with his lawyer later saying that the officer plans to plead not guilty.
Maj. Michael Stockin, 38, was arraigned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on 47 counts of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, involving 41 victims. The physician, a pain management specialist, faces charges of molestation dating to 2019, according to redacted charge sheets released by the Army.
Stockin deferred entering a plea at the arraignment. His attorney, Robert Capovilla of Woodstock, Georgia, told Military.com on Monday that Stockin will plead not guilty to all charges.
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“At this point, the defense can say with supreme confidence that we intend to fight against every single allegation until the jury renders their verdict,” Capovilla said in an email to Military.com.
He added that, while “the media will continue to condemn Maj. Stockin and render judgment” before the officer can plead his case, people should “keep an open mind and remember he is presumed innocent.”
They should understand “this fight is just begun,” Capovilla said.
Stockin allegedly inappropriately fondled male victims under the auspices of medical exams for sexual gratification from roughly…
