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NJ Doctor Indicted on Multiple Counts of Sexual Assault Against Patients
Gurvindra Johal faces charges in three counties; state grand jury indictment consolidates years of alleged misconduct at urgent care clinics across Middlesex, Essex, and Monmouth counties.
Dr. Gurvindra Johal, 57, of Colonia, has been indicted on multiple charges related to sexual assaults and inappropriate contact with patients at urgent care centers across central and northern New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced this week. The state grand jury indictment includes two counts of second-degree sexual assault, eleven counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and two counts of record tampering, stemming from incidents in Middlesex, Essex, and Monmouth counties.
“As Attorney General, I have focused on supporting victims of violent crimes and ensuring fair and full investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Medical patients need to be able to trust that they will be treated with respect, care, and professionalism when they seek treatment. For a doctor to allegedly prey upon patients is something we will not tolerate.”
According to case documents and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), Johal allegedly assaulted and inappropriately touched multiple women while working at urgent care facilities in Perth Amboy, Newark, and Freehold Township. The charges allege that Johal not only violated professional boundaries during medical exams but also attempted to falsify records afterward. In one case, he reportedly altered documentation to suggest a medical assistant had been present during an examination, though no such presence was originally recorded.
The criminal investigation began after a woman reported Johal for inappropriate contact during an exam in Perth Amboy. Additional victims subsequently came forward from other locations where Johal practiced, leading prosecutors in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Essex counties to coordinate with DCJ for a consolidated indictment.
Johal is also accused of submitting a false letter to an insurance company in response to claims of misconduct. Prosecutors say the letter misrepresented facts about the circumstances of the alleged incidents.
“This case illustrates the importance of cooperation with local law enforcement, as we were able to identify a serial offender who violated patients’ trust across county lines,” said DCJ Director Theresa Hilton. “Taking advantage of the doctor-patient relationship for sexual gratification, as is charged in this case, is completely unacceptable and will be met with the full force of our office.”
If convicted, Johal could face up to 10 years in state prison for each second-degree sexual assault charge, with a maximum fine of $150,000 per count. Fourth-degree charges carry up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 fines. The prosecution is led by Deputy Attorney General Kimberly Menafra under Bureau Chief Laura Magnone.
Attorney General Platkin acknowledged the investigative efforts of the Monmouth, Middlesex, and Essex county prosecutors’ offices, as well as police departments in Freehold Township, Perth Amboy, Newark, and Edison.
Johal remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
