Wilmington oral surgeon charged for allegedly sexually abusing patients

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington oral surgeon is charged with three counts of sexual battery and one count of second-degree forcible sex offense after being arrested Thursday night.

He had his first appearance before a New Hanover County judge Friday.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, Michael Lee Hasson, who works at Wilmington Oral Surgery, is accused of sexually abusing at least four of his patients between 2017 and the present while they were under anesthesia.

The patients were all females, and their ages range from 17 years old to 21 years old.

Hasson had been held under a $1.25 million bond at the New Hanover County Jail. The judge granted the request of his defense to have it lowered. It is now set at $600,000.

Police say additional charges are expected.

Since news broke of his arrest, the DA’s office said in court that at least 10 other women have called and requested to be interviewed.

WWAY reached out to Wilmington Oral Surgery, but no one answered the phone at the office. We left a message and are waiting to hear back.

Hasson’s staff said in court today that he was never alone with a patient under anesthesia.
Prosecutors say at least two rape kits are being processed currently in relation to the case.

The investigation is on-going. Anyone with information is asked to contact to WPD at (910) 343-3609 or  use Text A Tip.