Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced today that the State Board of Medical Examiners has secured the voluntary license surrender of a Monmouth County physician indicted on criminal charges related to his alleged longtime sexual abuse of a minor.

Cornelius Gallagher, a pulmonologist previously affiliated with three hospitals across Monmouth County, 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). According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges are not connected with Gallagher’s interactions with any patient.

Wall Township Police arrested Gallagher 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.

Gallagher is currently on leave from all hospitals he was previously affiliated with and has represented through counsel that he is not currently practicing medicine. In a Consent Order filed with the Board this week, Gallagher 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,” said Attorney General Platkin. “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 face these criminal charges.”

The Interim Consent Order filed on September 9, 2024 requires Gallagher to cease and desist from all patient contact and from rendering medical care in this state including dispensing or issuing prescriptions for medications. He is barred from entering his medical practice premises during business hours when patients may be present and precluded from managing or influencing healthcare activities in New Jersey including testifying as an expert witness or serving as an expert consultant. Gallagher may not charge or share fees for professional services rendered by others but can collect accounts receivable for services rendered before filing date.

Deputy Attorney General Kate Calendar under Professional Boards Prosecution Section Chief Doreen Hafner within Division Law's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group represents State matter.

Patients who believe they have received treatment by an unlicensed provider or been treated inappropriately can file complaints online with State Division Consumer Affairs or call toll-free within New Jersey at 1-800-242-5846 or at 973-504-6200.