Internist Charged with Soliciting Sexual Favors for Opioids

A serious courtroom atmosphere reflecting a case of healthcare fraud.

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a Secaucus internist, faces serious charges for allegedly soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. He is accused of operating a ‘pill mill’ and committing Medicaid fraud by billing for nonexistent medical visits. The charges include multiple counts of distributing controlled substances and healthcare fraud, which could result in severe penalties. Allegations of sexual misconduct involving patients have also surfaced, raising significant concerns about ethical standards in medicine.

Secaucus, New Jersey

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, faces serious charges for allegedly soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Alina Habba, announced that Kalra has been charged with soliciting sexual favors and committing Medicaid fraud by billing for medical visits that never took place.

Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, a powerful opioid linked to addiction. His prescriptions also included promethazine with codeine. Allegedly, he operated a “pill mill” from his office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where the illegal distribution of opioids became routine.

Kalra faces a five-count complaint that includes three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the legitimate professional course of practice, along with two counts of healthcare fraud. Each count of illegally distributing opioids could lead to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine as high as $1 million. The healthcare fraud charges carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or double the gross profit or loss caused by the offenses.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

Former employees of Kalra’s practice reported that female patients had complained about being solicited for sexual favors in exchange for needed prescriptions. A shocking allegation involves one patient who claimed to have been sexually assaulted during clinical appointments, with reports of multiple incidents, including forced anal sex.

Additionally, another patient allegedly received opioid prescriptions while being incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, raising further concerns about Kalra’s practices and judgment as a medical professional.

Legal Proceedings and Consequences

Kalra made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Currently, he has been released on home incarceration, backed by an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of the release conditions, he is barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medications while the case proceeds. Furthermore, Kalra must shut down his medical practice for the duration of the legal proceedings.

Kalra’s attorney has contested the allegations, asserting that the press release detailing the case resembles sensational tabloid news rather than an accurate representation of the facts. In 2016, Kalra faced disciplinary action when he was ordered to pay $12,000 in owed wages to an employee after failing to compensate them for their work.

Broader Context of the Case

The charges against Kalra spotlight ongoing issues within the healthcare system related to the prescribing of opioids and problematic practices among medical professionals. The investigation highlights the stark realities of addiction and the sometimes exploitative dynamics within doctor-patient relationships. As opioid misuse remains a critical public health concern, cases like Kalra’s contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the medical field.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of upholding ethical standards in medicine to protect patients and prevent abuses that can lead to devastating consequences in communities. The case against Dr. Ritesh Kalra underscores these challenges and the need for vigilance in ensuring that healthcare providers act responsibly and honorably.