News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from New Jersey, faces serious charges of medical fraud, sexual assault, and prescription misconduct. The New Jersey medical board has suspended his practice amid allegations that he prescribed opioids without justification and solicited sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. Investigation reveals fraudulent billing practices and a troubling culture of abuse within his clinic. If convicted, Kalra could face significant prison time and financial penalties. The case underscores the essential accountability and ethics expected in the medical profession.
Fair Lawn, New Jersey – A 51-year-old physician, Ritesh Kalra, has been charged with multiple counts of medical fraud, sexual assault, and prescription misconduct. The New Jersey medical board has suspended his medical practice as legal proceedings unfold against him.
Authorities allege that Dr. Kalra distributed opioids without any legitimate medical purpose, allegedly soliciting sexual favors from female patients in exchange for these prescriptions. He stands accused of defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid system by submitting false billing for medical visits that never occurred.
Currently under home arrest, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications. Furthermore, he has been instructed to close his medical practice as a result of these serious allegations.
Details of the Allegations
Reports from Kalra’s former employees suggest a pervasive culture of abuse within his clinic. Female patients have come forward complaining about inappropriate behavior, with some alleging that Kalra touched them sexually or requested sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions. One patient has even accused him of sexually assaulting her multiple times during appointments, claiming she was forced into unwanted sexual acts.
Kalra is accused of running a “pill mill” operation, frequently prescribing high-dose opioids like oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without proper medical justification. Investigators have traced over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone issued by Kalra between January 2019 and February 2025, with some days seeing more than 50 prescriptions written.
Legal Ramifications
If convicted, Kalra faces significant prison time, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for health care fraud. Additional financial penalties could reach up to $1 million per drug charge and $250,000 or more per fraud charge.
Investigation Findings
Investigation into Kalra’s practices revealed alarming discrepancies in his medical records. Court documents indicate that his electronic health records contained fabricated progress notes, which were identical across various patient files and lacked crucial medical details, such as vital signs.
Significantly, authorities uncovered that Kalra continued prescribing medications to an inmate at Essex County Correctional Facility without any legitimate medical contact. This raised further questions about his medical judgment and ethical standards.
Context of the Charges
The allegations against Dr. Kalra have garnered a considerable amount of attention within New Jersey’s medical and legal communities. The U.S. Attorney’s office, representing the government in this case, has emphasized that physicians have a profound responsibility towards their patients. The concern is particularly pressing due to the ongoing opioid crisis, where addiction continues to plague many communities. By exchanging medical prescriptions for sexual favors, Kalra has been accused of not only exploiting vulnerable individuals but also contributing to a growing epidemic of substance abuse.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Ritesh Kalra highlight the significant issues of accountability and ethics within the medical field. As the case continues to develop, many are watching closely to see how the legal system will address these serious charges against a medical professional.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Medical Fraud
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- DNA India
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra New Jersey
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.
