News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a doctor in New Jersey, faces serious charges including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. An investigation revealed he operated a ‘pill mill,’ issuing over 31,000 prescriptions without legitimate justification. He also allegedly solicited sexual favors from female patients and fraudulently billed Medicaid. Kalra has been placed under home arrest while facing severe legal consequences, including potential prison time and hefty fines. This case highlights the misuse of medical licenses and the importance of integrity in healthcare.
Newark, New Jersey – Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin, has been charged with serious offenses including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. These charges come after an extensive investigation revealed that Kalra operated what authorities described as a “pill mill” at his medical practice in New Jersey.
The charges stem from accusations that Kalra distributed opioids, such as oxycodone, without legitimate medical justification. Between January 2019 and February 2025, he reportedly issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for these controlled substances, with some days seeing him write over 50 prescriptions. This pattern raised significant red flags for both authorities and the community.
In addition to the illegal distribution of opioids, Kalra faces allegations of soliciting sexual favors from female patients in exchange for issuing prescriptions. Multiple former employees testified that there were numerous complaints from female patients regarding inappropriate touching. Some patients have made more severe accusations, including claims of sexual assault, stating incidents involved forced sexual acts during clinical visits.
Furthermore, it was discovered that Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated in the Essex County Correctional Facility, raising further concerns about his practices. It has also been revealed that Kalra fraudulently billed New Jersey Medicaid for consultations and counseling sessions that did not take place. Investigators found records indicating fabricated progress notes that contained identical content for different patients while lacking any documented vital signs.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has emphasized the extensive misconduct, describing Kalra’s actions as detrimental not only to the health of individuals but also harmful to the state’s healthcare system. The legal implications for Kalra are severe, as he faces five federal charges: three for illegal drug distribution and two related to health care fraud. If convicted, he could spend up to 20 years in prison for each charge of drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of fraud. Additionally, potential fines could reach $1 million for each drug charge and $250,000 or more for each fraud charge.
As a response to the charges, Kalra has been placed under home arrest, which includes restrictions on his medical practice and the authority to prescribe medication. He must close his medical practice while the legal proceedings unfold.
This case brings to light the alarming potential for misuse of medical licenses, illustrating how trust can be exploited for personal gain and gratification. US Attorney Alina Habba pointed out the critical responsibility that physicians hold in ensuring the wellbeing of their patients and condemned Kalra’s actions, which have significantly contributed to the opioid epidemic and exploited vulnerable individuals in their care.
The outcomes of these legal proceedings could serve as an important reminder of the expectations placed upon medical professionals, emphasizing the need for integrity and the protection of patients within the healthcare system.
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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.
