ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
Dr. Michael Wilmington
Sexual Abuse Investigation
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 28, 2026
On This Page
- Understanding Doctor Sexual Abuse
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote for Your Doctor Sexual Abuse Case?
- What Are the Common Settings Where Doctor Sexual Abuse Occurs?
- What Are the Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse by a Doctor?
- Understand Your Rights After Doctor Sexual Abuse
- Reach Out Today To Talk With a Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorney
The legal team at Andreozzi + Foote is investigating serious allegations against Dr. Michael R. Wilmington, a former pediatrician based in Vancouver, Washington. The Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have uncovered allegations of child molestation and the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
If you or a loved one were a patient of Dr. Michael R. Wilmington and experienced inappropriate conduct, our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
“Holding institutions accountable for the abuse they enabled creates a safer world for everyone. When we force organizations and institutions to answer for their failures, it mandates better policies and procedures that prioritize prevention and protect the vulnerable from future harm.”
- Veronica Hubbard
Dr. Michael R. Wilmington Sexual Abuse Allegations
Following a cyber tip in early 2026, law enforcement identified a connection between Dr. Wilmington and an associate, Chad Hartley. Investigation details revealed that:
- Abuse of Trust: Dr. Wilmington allegedly hosted “naked sleepovers” with young children at his residence in La Center, Washington.
- Search Warrant Findings: A search of Wilmington’s home resulted in the seizure of numerous pieces of evidence, including child sexual abuse material.
- Criminal Charges: A felony warrant was issued for Wilmington. His associate Chad Hartley has been charged with first-degree child trafficking and several counts of dealing child pornography.
- A Decades-Long Career: Dr. Wilmington practiced medicine for over 35 years. His most recent affiliations included Kaiser Permanente (Salmon Creek Medical Office) and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. He was also affiliated with:
- Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
- Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel
Following the issuance of the warrant, Dr. Wilmington was found dead in an apparent suicide in Lewis County. While the criminal case against him cannot proceed, survivors still have the right to pursue civil justice and hold negligent institutions accountable.
Dr. Wilmington Investigation Timeline & Institutional Failures
To help the community understand the rapid developments in this case, we have outlined the investigation’s critical milestones below.
April 2026: The Investigation Begins
- Initial Cyber Tip: Law enforcement receives a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
- First Arrest: Chad Hartley, an associate of Dr. Wilmington, is arrested on multiple counts of dealing and possessing child pornography.
- Search Warrant: Vancouver police serve a search warrant at Dr. Wilmington’s La Center residence, seizing “numerous items of evidence.”
- Employment Terminated: On April 30, Kaiser Permanente terminated Dr. Wilmington’s employment and medical privileges.
Early May 2026: Tragic Developments & Mounting Charges
- Dr. Wilmington’s Death: On May 4, authorities confirmed Dr. Wilmington was found dead in an apparent suicide in Lewis County. Despite his death, the investigation into his actions and the institutions that employed him continues.
- Trafficking Charges Filed: On May 6, investigators formally charged Chad Hartley with first-degree child trafficking and several counts of dealing child pornography. Court documents allege Hartley arranged for at least one young girl to be left alone with Dr. Wilmington for naked sleepovers.
- Bail Increased: A judge increases Hartley’s bail to $800,000 as the severity of the trafficking and exploitation allegations comes to light.
Mid-May 2026: Patient Notifications & Seeking Truth
- Kaiser Permanente Notifies Families: Kaiser Permanente begins notifying current and former patients of Dr. Wilmington’s pediatric practice regarding the investigation.
- Surfacing the Scope: Multiple individuals came forward to report potential abuse as more information was released. Investigators revealed that Wilmington and Hartley met through the nudist community and that a large number of nude images of children were recovered from the doctor’s home.
Holding Institutions Accountable
At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus on more than just the individual who committed the harm. We look at the organizations and institutions within a healthcare sexual abuse lawsuit. such as hospitals, medical groups, and clinics, hat may have allowed the abuse to occur.
Over the last 15 years, we have seen a consistent pattern: highly respected medical professionals use their position of authority to groom children and families. In many cases, the institutions employing these individuals failed to implement proper oversight or ignored red flags.
Our firm specializes in uncovering whether these organizations failed in their duty to protect their most vulnerable patients. We are dedicated to uncovering the truth, exposing negligence, and ensuring justice for those harmed by institutional failures.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Seeking legal help after trauma is a courageous step. Our trauma-informed attorneys combine decades of experience with a compassionate, personal touch.
- Proven Results: Our firm has a track record of securing multimillion-dollar results for survivors, including a $9.8 million recovery for clients against a large healthcare provider who employed an abusive doctor.
- Niche Expertise: Unlike generalist firms, we focus exclusively on sexual abuse cases. This specialization allows us to offer tailored strategies for complex litigation against powerful medical institutions.
- Client-Centric Care: We understand that the most important role of a lawyer is to listen. We strive to create a safe environment and ensure you are informed and involved at every stage of the process.
- No Upfront Costs: Our work is done on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no hourly fees. We advance the costs of litigation and only receive a percentage if we successfully resolve your case.
We Stand With Survivors and Their Families
The psychological impact of medical sexual abuse is profound. It can lead to long-term challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and a fundamental loss of trust. Our team is committed to a holistic approach, connecting survivors with trusted professionals and programs to assist in their emotional recovery.
All information you provide will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, including your identity. We can often file lawsuits anonymously using a pseudonym (such as “John Doe” or “Jane Doe”) to protect your privacy.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation
If you have information regarding Dr. Michael R. Wilmington or Chad Hartley, or if you were personally impacted, we are prepared to fight for you. Call Andreozzi + Foote at 866-311-8640 or contact us through our website for a no-obligation, confidential consultation. Together, we can fight for the safety and rights of survivors and ensure that negligent institutions are held accountable.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.