Former oral surgeon found guilty of sexually assaulting patients

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A jury has returned a verdict in the Michael Hasson trial.

The former Wilmington oral surgeon has been found guilty on 24 charges, ranging from sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, and second degree sexual offense.

The sexual assaults occurred while the patients were under anesthesia.

The patients were all females between the ages of 12 and 64 years old. The abuse took place between 2009 and 2018.

Victims spoke out and shared their experiences after the defendant was found guilty, and many pointed out that they’ve been through years of therapy. All of the victims encouraged the judge to give Hasson the maximum possible sentence. 

The NC State Board of Dental Examiners suspended Hasson’s license shortly after his arrests.

After the guilty verdict, Hasson was sentenced to more than 80 years in prison.

Prosecutor Connie Jordan says a lot of people have been closely following this trial. 

“I know that this case has probably touched more people in our community than any other case that has come through this office. The phone calls we received, the emails, just the contacts from people. We’ve had victims actually reporting during the trial as well,” Jordan said.

Jordan adds that the victims were strong during this entire process. 

“They were brave, they came in, they spoke up, they were really worried about not being believed but the evidence in this case made it very clear. What this defendant has been doing over many many years to female patients, both adult and children over the course of his practice. So, I am just very grateful for the jury’s verdict,” Jordan stated.  

Jordan says being able to help these victims has been an honor.  

“So, I’ve always been drawn to these kinds of cases just to help in any way that I could, just to make our community safer in any way that I can. I’m a very emphatic person, which can make it difficult I think, maybe more difficult than for some people but I feel very honored to be able to help these victims…I completely believe that justice was served, justice has been served by this jury here in New Hanover County,” Jordan shared.