News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with federal crimes related to the illegal distribution of opioids and healthcare fraud. Allegations include issuing prescriptions for powerful painkillers without medical justification and exploiting vulnerable patients. Kalra’s clinic, characterized as a ‘pill mill,’ also engaged in fictitious billing practices. He was released under home incarceration pending the resolution of the case, which highlights ongoing concerns about illicit prescription practices in the medical community.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Federal Charges Filed Against Local Doctor for Alleged Illicit Prescribing and Healthcare Fraud
A local physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, age 51, has been charged with multiple federal crimes related to the illegal distribution of prescription opioids and fraudulent billing practices. The charges allege that Kalra exploited his medical authority to obtain personal benefits at the expense of patient safety and integrity of the healthcare system.
Allegations of Illicit Prescription Practices and Patient Exploitation
Kalra is accused of illegally prescribing powerful painkillers, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without proper medical justification. The federal indictment claims that these prescriptions were issued in exchange for sexual favors from vulnerable patients, raising serious concerns about patient exploitation and abuse of medical authority.
Between January 2019 and February 2025, it is alleged that Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone. Records indicate that on some days, he wrote more than 50 prescriptions in a single day, which is inconsistent with typical medical practice and raises suspicion of prescribing for profit rather than patient care.
Operation of a Medical Practice Labeled as a “Pill Mill”
Kalra operated a medical practice located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Prosecutors have characterized the clinic as a “pill mill”, a term used for facilities that authorize large amounts of prescriptions without legitimate medical evaluation, often fueling the opioid epidemic.
Healthcare Fraud and Billing Deception
In addition to the illegal prescriptions, Kalra faces charges related to fictitious billing practices. Authorities allege he billed insurance providers for non-existent in-person consultations and counseling sessions, thereby defrauding the healthcare system of significant funds.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Kalra appeared before a magistrate judge in Newark, New Jersey, where he was released under home incarceration. He posted an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of his bail conditions, Kalra has been ordered to suspend all medical practice pending the case’s resolution.
Statements from Prosecutors and Defense
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba commented that Kalra exploited his medical position to promote addiction and defraud the healthcare system. Meanwhile, Kalra’s attorney, Michael Baldassare, dismissed the allegations as sensationalized, comparing the government’s press release to a “supermarket tabloid.”
Broader Context and Implications
This case is part of a larger pattern involving medical professionals in the United States accused of abusing their roles amid the ongoing opioid crisis. The allegations against Kalra reflect concerns over the potential for healthcare providers to contribute to opioid misuse and illegal prescription practices, prompting increased scrutiny of medical prescribing behaviors nationwide.
Conclusion
The investigation into Dr. Ritesh Kalra continues, and legal proceedings are underway to determine the extent of his alleged misconduct. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illicit prescription practices and healthcare fraud within the medical community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
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.
