News Summary
A New Jersey doctor, Ritesh Kalra, is facing serious charges for distributing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and committing Medicaid fraud. The allegations include operating a pill mill and exploiting vulnerable patients. Kalra has been placed under home incarceration and his medical practice is shut down while the legal process proceeds. If convicted, he could face extensive prison time and hefty fines. The case sheds light on the ongoing opioid epidemic and ethical concerns within the healthcare system.
Secaucus, New Jersey – A doctor has been charged with serious crimes, including distributing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and committing Medicaid fraud. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician of Indian origin, faces a five-count complaint that outlines egregious misconduct during his medical practice.
The charges against Kalra include three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice and for illegitimate medical purposes, as well as two counts of healthcare fraud. This case was presented to U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court, where Kalra made his initial court appearance on Thursday.
Currently, Kalra has been placed under home incarceration and released on an unsecured $100,000 bond. As part of the ongoing legal process, he has been prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing any medication. His medical practice will be shut down while the case is pending.
Exploitation of Vulnerable Patients
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey emphasized that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients, using their circumstances to engage in sexual activities in return for prescriptions. Investigators have accused him of operating a “pill mill” out of his medical office located in Fair Lawn, where he allegedly prescribed high-dose opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without legitimate medical justification.
The timeline of his prescriptions raises significant concern, with Kalra reportedly issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. Some days he allegedly wrote more than 50 prescriptions. This pattern of behavior suggests a disturbing trend where medical ethics were disregarded in favor of personal gain.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Multiple former employees have come forward to report that female patients alleged sexual misconduct by Kalra. These accusations include claims that he pressured them into sexual acts to receive their prescriptions. In one particularly alarming report, a patient accused Kalra of perpetrating sexual assault during clinical appointments, including forced anal sex.
Healthcare Fraud Investigation
Investigators have also found evidence suggesting that Kalra defrauded Medicaid by billing for visits and counseling sessions that never took place. His electronic medical records included false progress notes and fabricated dates for service. Additionally, exam notes were found to be repetitive and lacking critical details such as vital signs documentation, further indicating fraudulent practices.
Potential Legal Consequences
The consequences for Kalra, if convicted, could be dire. Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. On the other hand, each count of healthcare fraud could result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss caused by the offense.
Defense and Broader Implications
Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the allegations, calling the charges baseless and inflammatory. The defense described the government’s announcement regarding the case as resembling “a supermarket tabloid.”
This case brings to light the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States, underscoring the vulnerability of patients struggling with addiction and the catastrophic impact when medical professionals abuse their positions. The legal proceedings against Kalra will not only determine his fate but also reflect on the broader issues prevalent in the healthcare system concerning opioid distribution and patient exploitation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Doctor Charged with Illegal Opioid Prescriptions
Doctor Charged with Opioid Prescription Abuse and Sexual Exploitation
New Jersey Physician Charged with Medical Fraud and Assault
Indian-Origin Doctor Faces Multiple Charges of Medical Fraud
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud in New Jersey
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation
Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Deccan Herald
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Fraud
- NJ.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual exploitation
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra Doctor
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.
