News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin, faces severe allegations of sexual exploitation of patients and Medicaid fraud in New Jersey. He has been accused of soliciting sexual favors from patients for prescriptions and billing for non-existent counseling sessions. With over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions issued, investigators have uncovered alarming discrepancies in patient records. Kalra, currently under home arrest, faces multiple federal charges with the potential for significant prison time and financial penalties. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding accountability in healthcare practices.
Trenton, New Jersey
A 51-year-old Indian-origin doctor, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, is facing serious allegations of sexual exploitation of patients and Medicaid fraud in New Jersey. Authorities have charged him with soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, as well as defrauding the state’s Medicaid system by billing for visits and counseling sessions that allegedly did not take place.
Dr. Kalra’s medical practice has been ordered to close its doors while the investigation is ongoing. He is currently under home arrest, with restrictions placed on his ability to practice medicine or prescribe medication to any patients.
Several former employees have reported troubling accounts of Kalra’s interactions with female patients, indicating that complaints of sexual touching and demands for sexual favors, including oral sex, were prevalent in his practice. One former patient has come forward to accuse Kalra of multiple sexual assaults, including allegations of forced sexual acts during clinical appointments. Additionally, another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra while incarcerated, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his medical practices.
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Dr. Kalra reportedly issued over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions, with some days seeing more than 50 prescriptions written. This alarming figure has led investigators to delve deeper into his practices, revealing fabricated progress notes and identical content across numerous patient files, without any recorded vital signs.
Kalra faces five federal charges: three related to illegal drug distribution and two for healthcare fraud. If convicted on these charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution, and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Moreover, significant financial penalties are potential consequences, with fines reaching up to $1 million for each drug-related charge and at least $250,000 for each fraud-related offense.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has condemned Dr. Kalra’s actions, asserting that he exploited vulnerable patients and significantly contributed to the ongoing crisis of addiction. In light of these serious allegations, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy has urged anyone who may have been a victim or knows someone treated by Kalra to come forward and contact their office.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of practices in the medical field concerning prescription drug distribution and the potential misconduct of healthcare professionals. The outcome of Dr. Kalra’s pending charges could not only impact his future but also serve as a critical examination of oversight within the medical community.
As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for any individuals affected by Dr. Kalra’s practices to seek assistance. The charges against him underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in healthcare, particularly in the face of widespread concerns regarding prescription drugs and patient safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation
Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Sexual Exploitation of Patients
- LiveMint
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: Medical Fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Fraud
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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.
