JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. - A local U.S. army doctor accused of sexually abusing dozens of his patients appears ready to take a plea. A source close to the case tells FOX 13 Seattle that a tentative deal is in place, where Maj. Michael Stockin will plead guilty to ​some charges.

Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army physician accused by more than 40 patients of sexual misconduct, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors, his attorney says.

An Army doctor charged in one of the military’s largest sexual abuse cases is expected to plead guilty during a hearing scheduled for early next year, according to the service.

The Army announced it surpassed its fiscal 2024 recruiting goal after years of failing to reach the thresholds set for itself.

The Army met its 55,000 recruit goal in fiscal year 2024 with recruits who were older and others who needed extra academic and fitness help.

The Army says it has hit recruiting goals for this year following a military wide slump, a sign the service may be overcoming the struggle to build up its ranks as it seeks a commanding presence in the Pacific to counter China.