By: Tracie Carter
A Monmouth County pulmonologist, Cornelius Gallagher, has voluntarily surrendered his medical license following an indictment on charges of child exploitation and abuse, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Gallagher, previously affiliated with three Monmouth County hospitals, was indicted in July 2024 on charges including first-degree aggravated Explicit Contact, second-degree Explicit Contact, and possession of explicit images of minors.
The charges stem from allegations of a decade-long abuse of a minor, starting in 2004.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the charges are unrelated to Gallagher’s professional interactions with patients.
In July 2023, Gallagher was arrested by Wall Township Police, and he has since been placed on leave from his medical affiliations.
In a recent Consent Order, Gallagher agreed to surrender his medical license pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, "Until these charges are resolved, public protection demands that he remain out of practice and have no contact with patients."
Gallagher is prohibited from practicing medicine, issuing prescriptions, or entering his practice while the case is ongoing.
Patients with concerns about unsafe medical practices can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs.