Trial continued for Wilmington oral surgeon accused of sexually abusing patients under anesthesia

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The trial has been continued for an oral surgeon accused of sexually assaulting more than 20 patients while they were sedated.

Michael Hasson faces 30 charges including indecent liberties with a child, sexual battery, statutory rape and second-degree forcible sex offense. His alleged victims are women ranging in age from 12 to 60.

On May 9, Hasson’s attorney, Tripp Watson, appeared in court to file a waiver of arraignment on behalf of his client. Judge Frank Jones then set the trial date for Oct. 30. Watson said he planned to obtain medical records and employment records as part of the discovery phase of the trial.

When asked by WECT, a representative with District Attorney Ben David’s office said that Hasson’s trial was continued a few weeks ago, and that they haven’t arrived on a new court date.

Hasson did not appear in court on May 9 and has been out of jail since he posted bond back in 2019.