Doctor Charged with Running Pill Mill and Soliciting Sex

A depiction of a medical clinic linked to serious allegations of illegal opioid prescriptions.

News Summary

Ritesh Kalra, an internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been indicted for operating a ‘pill mill’ and soliciting sex in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Charged with issuing over 31,000 illegal prescriptions, including high doses of oxycodone, Kalra faces serious allegations, including healthcare fraud and sexual misconduct. Investigations reveal fraudulent billing practices and a pattern of irresponsible prescribing behavior. If convicted, he could face decades in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about prescription drug abuse and healthcare regulations.

Secaucus, New Jersey: Doctor Charged with Running Pill Mill and Soliciting Sex for Prescriptions

Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with operating a “pill mill” and soliciting sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions. The U.S. Attorney’s office announced that Kalra is facing serious allegations, including issuing over 31,000 illegal prescriptions for highly addictive opioids, specifically oxycodone, from January 2019 until February 2025.

Kalra is charged with three counts of unauthorized distribution of controlled substances and two counts of healthcare fraud. Prosecutors claim that his practice lacked legitimate medical justification for the prescriptions issued, many of which included high-dose opioids in combination with promethazine, which is notorious for abuse. The extent of his alleged wrongdoings is highlighted by the staggering number of prescriptions, with reports indicating that on certain days, he wrote as many as 50 prescriptions.

Details of the Allegations

Further investigations revealed that Kalra was billing New Jersey’s Medicaid program for consultations and counseling sessions that never occurred. Evidence suggests that he fabricated medical records, resulting in identical progress notes and a lack of necessary vital signs. This fraudulent activity aimed to mislead the healthcare program into covering his illicit practices.

Accounts from former clinic employees indicate that Kalra’s practice was marred by more than just prescription abuse. Reports allege that he engaged in inappropriate touching and demanded sexual favors from female patients in exchange for prescriptions. One patient’s allegations are particularly severe, claiming multiple incidents of sexual assault, including being coerced into non-consensual acts during appointments.

In addition, Kalra’s misconduct reportedly included continuing to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated, despite having no contact with that patient. This behavior underscores a troubling pattern of irresponsibility and illegal drug distribution.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

Kalra appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge following his arrest and was subsequently released under house arrest after posting an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of the conditions set forth by the court, he has been ordered to cease practicing medicine and to close his medical clinic while the case unfolds.

If convicted, Kalra faces severe penalties, which could amount to up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Given the seriousness of these charges, the stakes are high for the accused.

Background Context

Historical records reveal that Kalra has faced previous legal and financial issues, including an order to pay $12,000 in wages to an employee due to non-payment claims. This history raises questions about his professional conduct and overall fitness to practice medicine.

Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the allegations, stating that the government’s case is both baseless and sensationalized. However, the overwhelming nature of the evidence put forth raises significant concerns regarding Kalra’s medical practices and the potential ramifications for his patients and the public.

The investigation into Ritesh Kalra’s activities illustrates the ongoing battle against prescription drug abuse and the misuse of healthcare systems. With the opioid crisis continuing to impact communities across the nation, the legal proceedings involving Kalra will likely draw public attention and underscore the need for stringent regulations in medical practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.