The U.S. military has charged a military doctor with sexual assault, a spokeswoman announced Thursday, in a case involving more than 20 alleged victims.
Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist who joined the Army in May 2013 and is stationed in Washington state, Northwest, was charged this week, said Lt. Col. Jennifer Bocanegra.
The charge involves “non-consensual sexual contact” and appears inappropriate, she said.
These allegations will be examined in a hearing by an “independent official” who will be responsible for determining whether they are “legally sufficient,” the spokesman added.
According to the Washington Post, which revealed that Major Stockin is under investigation, the case involves at least 23 alleged victims, making it the largest sexual assault case in the military in several years.
“I simply ask that everyone refrain from judgment until (Michael Stockin) can exercise his right to be heard, the defense has received all the evidence and the trial takes its course,” Mr. Stockin’s lawyer said before the announcement the prosecution. Robert Capovilla, quoted by The Washington Post.
At least 8,942 cases of sexual assault were reported in the U.S. military in fiscal year 2022.
Compared to the previous year, which was already at a record level, the value has increased slightly.
US President Joe Biden signed an executive order last month changing the way the military investigates sexual assault cases.
It gives more power to the independent special prosecutors, who are now the only ones who decide on possible prosecutions for serious crimes to the detriment of commanders.
According to the White House, it is the most significant reform of the military justice system since 1950, ensuring cases are “completely independent” of the military hierarchy.