Secaucus Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Exploitation

A disturbing representation of compromised medical ethics amidst scandal in healthcare.

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist from Secaucus, faces charges of medical fraud, illegal drug distribution, and sexual exploitation of patients. Accused of operating a ‘pill mill’, he allegedly prescribed opioids without justification while exploiting vulnerable patients. Kalra is under home incarceration as he faces five federal charges, including fraud against Medicaid. Allegations also include demanding sexual favors for prescriptions and fabricating medical records. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and financial penalties.

Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, has been charged with multiple counts of medical fraud, illegal distribution of controlled substances, and sexual exploitation of patients. Following a recent court hearing, Kalra has been placed under home incarceration as legal proceedings against him unfold. The charges against him stem from allegations that he operated a “pill mill” out of his medical clinic in Fair Lawn, where he allegedly prescribed powerful opioids like oxycodone without any medical justification.

Kalra is facing a total of five federal charges, comprising three counts related to illegal drug distribution and two counts for health care fraud. The prosecution argues that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients struggling with addiction instead of using his medical expertise to provide them with genuine care. Over a period spanning from January 2019 to February 2025, he is accused of issuing more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone—averaging over 50 prescriptions on particularly busy days.

Investigative court documents reveal disturbing claims that Kalra demanded sexual favors, including oral sex, from female patients in return for opioid prescriptions. One patient has come forward stating that she was sexually assaulted multiple times during clinical visits, including being subjected to forced anal sex. In a shocking twist to the case, Kalra reportedly continued to prescribe medication to an incarcerated patient at the Essex County Correctional Facility without any medical contact whatsoever.

In addition to his interactions with patients, Kalra faces allegations of defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid system by billing for consultations that never took place. Reports suggest that Kalra’s electronic medical records included fabricated progress notes that were identical across various patient files, with no pertinent vital signs being documented.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Kalra’s actions not only endangered lives but also exploited vulnerable individuals for his personal gratification. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of health care fraud. Additionally, financial penalties could amount to $1 million per drug charge and at least $250,000 per fraud charge.

Kalra made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa, where he was released on home arrest under an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of the conditions of his release, he has been barred from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications, and he must cease operation of his medical clinic while the legal proceedings continue.

The investigation into Kalra’s activities has highlighted a severe breach of trust, demonstrating how patients seeking help for addiction were instead exploited for his sexual gratification and defrauded within the healthcare system. As authorities continue their work, the FBI encourages anyone who may have been victimized or knows someone treated by Dr. Kalra to come forward.