News Summary
A doctor in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with multiple crimes, including soliciting sex from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Dr. Ritesh Kalra faces allegations of running a ‘pill mill,’ issuing over 31,000 unjustified opioid prescriptions, and committing Medicaid fraud. Additionally, he is accused of exploiting female patients for sexual favors. Kalra now faces significant prison time if convicted and has been barred from practicing medicine during the proceedings.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Soliciting Sex for Opioids and Medicaid Fraud
In Secaucus, New Jersey, a local internist has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses related to the illegal distribution of opioids and the solicitation of sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. The charges, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, highlight allegations of a pattern of misconduct aimed at profiting from controlled substance sales and abusing patient trust.
Key Details of the Charges
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51 years old, who practices in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, faces a five-count complaint including allegations of systematically distributing large quantities of opioids without legitimate medical purpose and engaging in healthcare fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reports that Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, highlighting a significant volume of high-dose opioid prescriptions, many linked to addiction and misuse.
The prescriptions allegedly also included promethazine with codeine, another controlled substance often associated with recreational use. Investigators assert that Kalra operated what they describe as a “pill mill“—a medical setup where prescriptions were written mainly to generate profit rather than for patient health needs. There is evidence suggesting that these prescriptions were issued without proper medical examinations or legitimate medical purposes.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Supporting reports from former staff and patients indicate that Dr. Kalra engaged in inappropriate conduct, including soliciting sexual favors from female patients in exchange for prescriptions. Several patients have come forward with claims of being pressured or coerced into sexual acts during clinical appointments. One alleged victim reported being sexually assaulted multiple times, including claims of forced anal sex, during visits to Kalra’s practice. Such allegations add a disturbing layer to the case, emphasizing concerns about exploitation and abuse of vulnerable patients.
Additional Fraud and Distribution Claims
Kalra is also charged with healthcare fraud related to billing practices, specifically defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by submitting claims for visits that did not occur. This aspect of the case suggests a pattern of deception intended to unlawfully maximize revenue. The charges include two counts of healthcare fraud, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000 or twice the financial gains or losses caused by these fraudulent activities.
Furthermore, authorities allege that Kalra distributed opioids outside standard medical practices, including prescriptions issued to inmates at Essex County Correctional Facility, raising concerns about improper distribution channels and potential abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Dr. Kalra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court for his initial court hearing. He has been released on home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000. While the legal process continues, he is barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.
Kalra has been instructed to cease all medical practice activities during the pendency of the case. This order is intended to prevent further potential misconduct and protect public health and safety.
Defense and Previous Incidents
Kalra’s attorney has contested the charges, describing the case as sensational tabloid-style reporting and denying the allegations of misconduct. Historically, Kalra was involved in a 2016 incident where he was ordered to pay $12,000 in wages owed to an employee following a failure to compensate for work performed. This prior incident is unrelated to the current charges but indicates a history of legal and employment issues.
Potential Penalties and Case Outlook
If convicted on all counts, Kalra faces significant sentences: each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines up to $1 million. The healthcare fraud charges could result in an additional 10-year sentence and substantial fines based on the extent of financial damage or gains involved.
The case remains ongoing, and authorities continue to investigate the full scope of Dr. Kalra’s activities. The situation underscores serious concerns about the abuse of medical authority, prescription practices, and patient safety, especially in the context of the opioid epidemic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Accused of Operating Pill Mill and Sex Solicitation
Doctor in Secaucus Charged with Opioid Crimes and Fraud
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
Federal Charges Against Utah Doctor Dismissed
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NDTV
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra doctor
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical ethics
- Zee News
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Live Mint
- Google Scholar: Medical fraud and ethics
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.
