Closing arguments given in Hasson trial, jury deliberation expected to start Wednesday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Closing arguments were given in the trial of 56-year-old Michael Hasson on Tuesday.

The oral surgeon is accused of sexually assaulting some of his patients while they were sedated.

The prosecution gave closing arguments up until the noon recess, reiterating the testimony from multiple victims about what they’d gone through and the discomfort they felt in their chest and private areas after coming out of surgery.

The prosecution also spoke about the fear some of the victims had about seeking help as they were afraid of being laughed at if they went to the hospital, while one victim has struggled with their sobriety since the alleged assault.

The defense gave closing arguments Tuesday afternoon, saying the case was “full of missing witnesses and empty promises”, while also saying that the prosecution had failed to prove through DNA evidence that Hasson had done anything wrong.

The court is in recess for the night, with jury deliberation expected to start sometime on Wednesday.