“We’re wrapping up the second week of former oral surgeon Michael L. Hasson’s trial in New Hanover County. Hasson stands accused of sexually assaulting 20 patients while they were under anesthesia for dental procedures.
As of today, 18 victims have shared their accounts in courtroom 402. A friend of one such victim, who was 14 years old at the time of her surgery, shared a troubling story. Allegedly, after the surgery, the victim woke to find Hasson behaving inappropriately. The friend attested that this experience markedly impacted the victim’s behavior.
It wasn’t until much later when the friend heard a chillingly similar account from a former receptionist at Hasson’s practice, that this account came to light. According to the receptionist, she once walked in on Hasson in the midst of a similar offense.
A psychologist who worked with the victim corroborated her friend’s account. According to the psychologist, the victim was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder – a condition linked to overwhelming stress.
Throughout these proceedings, Hasson has been observed busily jotting notes and consulting with his legal team. The trial is set to continue on Thursday, September 26th. Reporting from New Hanover County for WWAY news.”
