MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Monmouth County physician has been indicted on criminal charges for allegedly sexually abusing a minor for over a decade, state officials said.
Cornelius Gallagher was indicted in July 2024 on two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of third-degree child endangerment (possession of child pornography).
Gallagher, a pulmonologist previously affiliated with three hospitals across Monmouth County, has surrendered his license voluntarily.
According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges are not connected with Gallagher’s interactions with any patient.
Gallagher was arrested in July 2023, after an investigation allegedly revealed he began sexually abusing a minor in 2004, when the victim was under the age of 13, and continued the abuse for more than a decade.
At this time, Gallagher is on leave from all hospitals he was previously affiliated with and is not currently practicing medicine. He agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license pending the resolution of the criminal matter and until further order of the Board.
“The sexual exploitation of a child, as is alleged here, is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed. When a physician is facing these types of charges, the action taken by the Board is not only appropriate, but necessary,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Until these charges are resolved, public protection demands that he remain out of practice and have no contact with patients.”
“The alleged conduct of this doctor, if proven, would demonstrate a callous victimization of a vulnerable child that violates the most basic standards to which we hold medical professionals,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We thank the Board for securing the surrender of this doctor’s license in the face of these criminal charges.”
Patients who believe they have received medical treatment by an unlicensed or inadequately licensed provider or have been treated by a licensed professional in an inappropriate or unsafe manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200
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