New Jersey Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud

A symbolic representation highlighting the breach of trust in healthcare.

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a New Jersey physician, faces serious federal charges for allegedly sexually exploiting patients and committing extensive Medicaid fraud. Authorities claim he solicited sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions, particularly opioids, and defrauded Medicaid by billing for non-existent services. Kalra has been placed under home arrest while his medical practice remains closed. As investigations continue, alarming accusations from former patients and evidence of fabricated medical records are surfacing, raising concerns about the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers.

Newark, New Jersey — A 51-year-old Indian-origin doctor, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, is facing multiple federal charges for alleged sexual exploitation of patients and extensive Medicaid fraud. The New Jersey medical practitioner is accused of soliciting sexual favors from vulnerable individuals in exchange for prescriptions, particularly for opioids.

Kalra has been placed under home arrest, stripped of his medical license, and ordered to cease all medical practice while the investigation continues. His medical practice has been temporarily closed as authorities work through the troubling allegations against him.

Former employees at Kalra’s practice reported disturbing instances of female patients voicing complaints about inappropriate sexual conduct, including demands for sexual favors such as oral sex as a condition for receiving necessary medications. One alarming accusation involved a patient claiming that Kalra sexually assaulted her multiple times during treatment, including instances of forced anal sex.

In addition to the accusations of sexual exploitation, Kalra is charged with defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for non-existent medical visits and counseling sessions. One patient, who was incarcerated at the time, continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra despite having no contact with him, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of his prescribing practices.

Authorities revealed that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued an estimated 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, placing a spotlight on his prescribing habits. Some days reportedly saw him writing over 50 prescriptions, suggesting possible abuse of the medical system designed to serve patients in need.

Kalra faces a total of five federal charges, including three related to illegal drug distribution and two pertaining to healthcare fraud. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Financial penalties may also be significant, with fines potentially reaching $1 million for each drug-related offense and a minimum of $250,000 for each fraud-related charge.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the severity of Kalra’s actions, stating that he manipulated and took advantage of vulnerable patients, further exacerbating the opioid addiction crisis. The troubling findings from the investigation included evidence of fabricated medical records, indicating a systemic abuse of trust that likely harmed numerous individuals seeking help.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy has urged individuals who may have been affected by Kalra’s practices or know someone who has been treated by him to come forward and contact authorities. This outreach aims to ensure that all potential victims receive the support they need and that justice is served in this serious matter.

As the case progresses, the community and medical profession are on alert, as the allegations against Kalra serve as a grave reminder of the ethical responsibility healthcare providers hold in upholding patient welfare. It underscores the importance of accountability within the medical field and the heightened scrutiny necessary to protect those in need of care.

The investigation into Dr. Ritesh Kalra’s activities highlights significant failings in oversight within the healthcare system, particularly regarding prescription practices for controlled substances. As this case continues to unfold, further implications for the medical community and the greater New Jersey area are likely to emerge as more information comes to light.