Local doctor surrenders license after sexual abuse crimes

MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Monmouth County doctor has been charged with allegedly sexually abusing a minor for more than a decade, state officials said.

Cornelius Gallagher was indicted in July 2024 on two counts of aggravated first-degree sexual assault, two counts of aggravated second-degree sexual assault, and one count of third-degree child abuse (possession of child pornography).

Gallagher, a pulmonologist previously affiliated with three hospitals in Monmouth County, has voluntarily surrendered his license.

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges have nothing to do with Gallagher’s interactions with patients.

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 has agreed to voluntarily surrender his medical license pending resolution of the criminal case and until further notice from the Board.

“The sexual exploitation of a child, as alleged here, is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed. When a physician is faced with these types of charges, the action the Board is taking is not only appropriate, but necessary,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Until these charges are resolved, public protection requires that he remain out of practice and have no contact with patients.”

“This physician’s alleged conduct, if proven, would demonstrate a callous victimization of a vulnerable child that violates the most basic standards to which we as medical professionals are held,” said Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We thank the Board for securing the surrender of this physician’s license in light of these criminal charges.”

Patients who believe they have received medical treatment from an unlicensed or under-licensed health care provider or have been treated in an inappropriate or unsafe manner by a licensed professional may 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.