Dr. Gurvindra Johal, 57, of Colonia, has been indicted on several counts of sexual assault and inappropriate contact with patients at urgent care facilities in central and northern New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated 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, all arising from events 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 reportedly assaulted and inappropriately touched several women while working at urgent care centers in Perth Amboy, Newark, and Freehold Township. The indictments state that Johal breached professional limits during medical exams and attempted to fabricate records later. In one case, he allegedly manipulated data to make it appear like a medical assistant was present during an examination when no such presence was initially noted.
A woman in Perth Amboy launched the criminal inquiry after reporting Johal for inappropriate contact during an exam. Additional victims came forward from other locations where Johal practiced, prompting prosecutors in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Essex counties to work with DCJ on a unified prosecution.
Johal has also been accused of sending a fraudulent letter to an insurance firm in response to allegations of misbehavior. Prosecutors said the letter misrepresented the facts surrounding 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 faces up to ten years in state prison for each second-degree sexual assault conviction, as well as a maximum punishment of $150,000 per case. Fourth-degree offenses carry up to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine. The prosecution is led by Deputy Attorney General Kimberly Menafra, who reports to Bureau Chief Laura Magnone.
Attorney General Platkin praised the investigative efforts of the prosecutors’ offices in Monmouth, Middlesex, and Essex counties, as well as the police departments in Freehold Township, Perth Amboy, Newark, and Edison.
Johal is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
