News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a physician from Secaucus, faces severe charges for distributing opioids outside of legitimate medical practice. Kalra is accused of exploiting patients for sexual favors, committing healthcare fraud, and running a ‘pill mill.’ Investigators claim he prescribed thousands of opioids inadequately, alongside falsifying Medicaid billing records. Amid allegations of sexual misconduct and patient abuse, his medical license is suspended, and he has been ordered to cease practice. Kalra’s defense has dismissed the accusations as baseless, spotlighting the ongoing issues in the healthcare system concerning patient safety and opioid distribution.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Accused of Opioid Distribution, Sexual Exploitation, and Medicaid Fraud
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses related to his medical practice. The charges include distributing opioids outside the scope of legitimate medical practice and healthcare fraud, with allegations that he exploited patients for sexual favors and improperly billed Medicaid.
Details of the Charges
Kalra was served with a five-count complaint during an initial court appearance held on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in federal court in Newark. The counts include:
- Three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and for illegitimate medical purposes.
- Two counts of healthcare fraud.
The government asserts that Kalra operated a pill mill from his medical office located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Investigators claim he consistently prescribed high-dose opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without appropriate medical justification. Between January 2019 and February 2025, he allegedly issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with some days seeing him write more than 50 prescriptions.
Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Patient Abuse
Multiple former employees have reported that female patients disclosed experiences of sexual misconduct by Kalra, who reportedly exerted pressure on some patients to engage in sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions. One patient has accused Kalra of various acts of sexual assault during clinical appointments, including forced anal sex on multiple occasions. These claims are under investigation alongside the charges of drug distribution and fraud.
Medicaid Fraud and Fictitious Billing Practices
In addition to prescribing drugs improperly, Kalra is accused of billing Medicaid for visits and counseling sessions that never occurred. His electronic medical records allegedly contain falsified progress notes, fabricated dates of service, and repetitive exam notes lacking vital signs documentation. These actions are part of the broader healthcare fraud allegations.
Legal Penalties and Court Proceedings
Each count of distributing controlled substances potentially carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Meanwhile, the healthcare fraud charges could result in up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000 or twice the financial gains or losses caused by the offense.
Kalra was released on home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000 following his court appearance. His medical license has been suspended, and he has been prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications during the ongoing case. Additionally, he is required to shut down his medical practice.
Responses and Defense
Kalra’s legal team has dismissed the charges, calling them baseless and inflammatory. They described the government’s press release as likening the allegations to a supermarket tabloid and denied any wrongdoing by Kalra.
Context and Broader Implications
The case underscores ongoing issues related to the opioid epidemic and highlights concerns about medical professional misconduct. Authorities emphasize the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation and ensuring the integrity of healthcare services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Charges Filed Against New Jersey Doctor for Fraud
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Exploitation
Doctor Faces Charges for Medical Fraud and Misconduct
Indian-Origin Doctor Ritesh Kalra Charged with Multiple Crimes
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Indian-Origin Doctor Faces Criminal Charges for Misconduct
Newark Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Sexual Exploitation
Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Deccan Herald
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Fraud
- NJ.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual exploitation
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra Doctor
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
