News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician in Secaucus, New Jersey, faces serious charges including illegal opioid distribution, healthcare fraud, and soliciting sexual favors from patients for prescriptions. The allegations outline a troubling misuse of medical practice, with Kalra accused of running a ‘pill mill’ and submitting false claims to Medicaid. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and fines. The case highlights ongoing concerns over unethical practices in medical prescribing, particularly in the context of the opioid epidemic.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Faces Serious Charges for Opioid Distribution and Medicaid Fraud
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with significant offenses including the illegal distribution of opioids, solicitation of sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid system. The charges outlined in a 5-count Complaint reveal a troubling pattern of exploitation and misconduct in the medical practice.
Details of the Charges
Kalra is specifically charged with three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, as well as two counts of healthcare fraud. In light of these allegations, he made an initial court appearance on July 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Following this hearing, Kalra was released under home incarceration and secured an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of the conditions of his release, he has been barred from practicing medicine, prescribing medication, and must cease operation of his medical practice during the legal proceedings.
Allegations of Misconduct
Dr. Kalra is accused of operating a “pill mill” out of his medical office located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he allegedly prescribed a substantial quantity of opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without legitimate medical justification. Reports indicate that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with some days witnessing more than 50 prescriptions written. This excessive prescribing has raised serious concerns among health authorities.
Former employees have come forward with accusations that Kalra demanded sexual favors from female patients in exchange for medication prescriptions. Additionally, a patient has accused Kalra of being involved in multiple counts of sexual assault during clinical appointments. Disturbingly, there are also allegations that he continued to issue opioid prescriptions to a patient who was incarcerated and consequently had no contact with him, highlighting serious violations of medical ethics. Furthermore, he is accused of billing for non-existent in-person visits and counseling sessions, fabricating progress notes with false service dates in electronic medical records.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, each count of illegal drug distribution could result in up to 20 years in prison along with potential fines reaching $1 million. The healthcare fraud charges could bring a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and fines ranging from $250,000 to up to double the financial gain derived from the fraudulent actions.
Community and Official Response
Prosecutors and officials have expressed deep concern over Kalra’s actions, emphasizing the detrimental impact on vulnerable patients struggling with addiction. They condemned his alleged exploitation of individuals seeking help, categorizing the accusations as an affront to medical professionals dedicated to patient care.
Defense Claims
In response to the charges, Kalra’s attorney has strongly denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and inflammatory. The defense maintains that the claims do not reflect the true nature of Kalra’s practice or intentions.
Context of the Case
The charges against Dr. Ritesh Kalra come amid ongoing national concerns regarding opioid distribution practices and accountability in the medical community. The opioid epidemic has prompted heightened scrutiny of healthcare professionals and their prescribing habits, with law enforcement taking a stern stance against unethical practices that endanger patient lives.
This case continues to unfold, with the legal process set to examine the serious allegations against Dr. Kalra, as authorities focus on safeguarding the interests of public health and restoring trust in the medical profession.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Local Doctor Charged with Illegal Opioid Prescriptions
Additional Resources
- American Bazaar
- Wikipedia: Opioid Addiction
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- PIX11 News
- Google Search: Opioid Addiction Crisis
- NDTV
- Google News: Opioid Prescription Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
