The trial of former dental surgeon continues into second week

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — It’s the second week of the trial of former oral surgeon Michael L. Hasson.

Hasson is accused of sexually assaulting 20 patients who were under anesthesia while receiving a dental procedure.

So far, 18 victims have taken the stand in courtroom 402 at the New Hanover County courthouse. In court on Wednesday, a witness for one of the victim’s gave her statement. The witness  told the courtroom how her friend, who was 14 at the time, went to get oral surgery before getting braces and woke up to Hasson touching her inappropriately while also touching himself.

The friend of the victim claims the victim’s behavior changed after that alleged incident; that she was crying repeatedly before telling her friend what happened.

Neither the witness nor the victim reported the crime until years later when the witness allegedly overheard a conversation on January 31st, 2019, from a former receptionist at the dentist’s office, who said she walked in on Hasson allegedly committing a similar assault on another 14-year-old.

A licensed psychologist also took the stand for the victim. The psychologist said the victim was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, adjustment disorders are excessive reactions to stress. The doctor says the victim would have skin scraped from her hands, which is a symptom of the disorder.

During court, Hasson was seen writing on a notepad, flipping through notes, and speaking with his lawyers.

The trial continues Thursday.