WALL – A local pulmonologist has been arrested for committing a series of sexual offenses against a minor, police said.
Cornelius Gallagher, 62, of Wall Township, was charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and two counts of second-degree Sexual Assault.
According to authorities, the alleged sexual abuse began nearly 20 years ago and continued for more than a decade throughout many locations in the township. He was arrested without incident late last week, then lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI). Gallagher faces up to 20 years in state prison on first-degree criminal charges.
Gallagher is a licensed pulmonologist with more than 20 years in practice and affiliations with three hospitals across Monmouth County. Police said that the charges are not connected with his interactions with any patient.
Anyone with information about Gallagher’s activities is asked to contact Wall Township Police Department Detective Steve Swenson at 732-449-4500.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
