News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist in New Jersey, faces multiple federal charges including medical fraud, illegal opioid distribution, and sexual exploitation of patients. Investigators allege he operated a ‘pill mill,’ issued thousands of unjustified opioid prescriptions, and coerced vulnerable patients into sexual acts for prescriptions. Kalra has been released on home incarceration as the investigation continues, exposing severe breaches of medical ethics and trust.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Indian-Origin Doctor Ritesh Kalra Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Exploitation
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist based in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple violations related to medical fraud, illegal distribution of opioids, and sexually exploiting patients. The allegations detail a pattern of criminal activity that included operating a “pill mill,” distributing powerful opioids without medical justification, and coercing female patients into sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions.
Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings
The United States Department of Justice has filed five federal charges against Kalra. These include three counts of illegal drug distribution and two counts of healthcare fraud. Following a court appearance, Kalra has been released on home incarceration under an unsecured $100,000 bond, with strict conditions that prohibit him from practicing medicine or prescribing medications while investigations continue.
Operation of the “Pill Mill”
Investigators allege Kalra operated a “pill mill” out of his medical clinic located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. From January 2019 to February 2025, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, a potent opioid, with some days seeing more than 50 prescriptions written. Prosecutors state these prescriptions lacked proper medical justification, contributing to the opioid epidemic and putting lives at risk.
Exploitation and Sexual Assault Allegations
Detailed court documents reveal that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients battling addiction. Some patients reported being sexually assaulted during clinical visits, with claims including forced oral sex and, in one case, anal sex. One patient recounted being subjected to repeated assaults, raising serious concerns about his abuse of power and trust.
Unethical Prescribing Practices
Kalra reportedly continued to issue prescriptions for an incarcerated patient at Essex County Correctional Facility without any medical contact or consultation. The investigation also uncovered that he billed Medicaid for consultations that never occurred, defrauding the healthcare system of significant funds.
Falsification of Medical Records
Investigators found that Kalra’s electronic medical records contained fabricated progress notes, with numerous files sharing identical, generic content. Additionally, vital signs and other routine health information were missing, indicating deliberate falsification meant to cover up fraudulent practices.
Legal and Community Response
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized that Kalra’s actions not only endangered patients but also exploited individuals seeking help with addiction. The authorities are urging anyone who might have been a victim or knows of patients treated by Kalra to come forward and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Potential Penalties and Future Proceedings
If convicted on all charges, Kalra faces substantial penalties. Each drug distribution count carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while healthcare fraud counts could result in sentences up to 10 years each. Fines could reach $1 million per drug charge and over $250,000 per fraud count.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Kalra’s initial court hearing marked the beginning of legal proceedings that could lead to significant prison time and the permanent loss of his medical license. He has been ordered to close his clinic and cease any medical practice during the investigation.
This case highlights a serious breach of medical ethics and trust, with allegations of exploiting vulnerable patients for personal gratification and systematically defrauding the healthcare system. Authorities continue to investigate the scope of Kalra’s misconduct and seek to identify additional victims.
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Additional Resources
- Hudson County View
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google Search: medical fraud cases
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: medical ethics
- New York Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ethics
- Daily Voice
- Google News: medical ethics violations
- RLS Media
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