New Jersey Physician Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud

Warning signs highlighting the dangers of opioid prescription abuse in healthcare.

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician from Secaucus, faces serious charges including the distribution of opioids without medical justification, soliciting sexual favors, and healthcare fraud against New Jersey Medicaid. Allegations reveal he operated a pill mill, wrote thousands of illegitimate prescriptions, and defrauded the healthcare system while compromising patient care ethics. Kalra denies the charges, but the case underscores a growing concern over trust and ethics in the healthcare industry.

Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from Secaucus, has been charged with a series of serious offenses including the distribution of opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and healthcare fraud against New Jersey Medicaid. The allegations highlight a disturbing trend in the intersection of healthcare and abuse of power.

Kalra faces a total of five charges: three counts related to the improper distribution of opioids and two counts of defrauding the healthcare system. He made his initial appearance in court on July 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa at the Newark federal court. Following this appearance, Kalra was released under the conditions of home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000. While the case is pending, he is prohibited from engaging in medical practice or prescription writing and is required to close his medical office.

Reports indicate that Kalra operated a pill mill from his medical office located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. He allegedly prescribed high doses of opioids, such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without any legitimate medical justification. Between January 2019 and February 2025, it is reported that he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with multiple days showing upwards of 50 prescriptions written.

Former employees of Kalra’s practice came forward with allegations stating that he demanded sexual favors from female patients in return for prescriptions. Disturbingly, one accuser alleged multiple incidents of sexual assault occurring during clinical appointments, including forced acts. Additionally, Kalra is reported to have continued prescribed medication for a patient who was incarcerated and had no contact with him, raising serious concerns regarding his medical ethics.

Moreover, it has been alleged that Kalra billed for in-person consultations and counseling sessions that never took place, employing fabricated service dates in his electronic medical records to provide false progress notes. These scams not only defrauded Medicaid but severely compromised the integrity of patient care in his practice.

The repercussions of Kalra’s actions are severe, as each count of illegal drug distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison along with potential fines up to $1 million. Meanwhile, each count of healthcare fraud could lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison, with fines that may range from $250,000 to double the profit or loss caused by the offense.

Healthcare officials and prosecutors have strongly condemned Kalra’s actions, emphasizing that he exploited vulnerable individuals grappling with addiction for his personal gain. Such breaches of trust in the healthcare industry highlight the critical need for oversight and accountability in medical practices.

In defense, Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the allegations labeling them as baseless and inflammatory. As the case progresses, it raises broader questions about ethical practices within the healthcare system and the safeguarding of patient rights and welfare.

As this situation unfolds, the community and legal authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the case, hoping to ensure justice for victims and restore faith in medical practitioners.