News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician in New Jersey, faces multiple federal charges, including unlawful opioid distribution, healthcare fraud, and sexual misconduct. Investigators allege he issued an excessive number of prescriptions and exploited vulnerable patients for sexual favors. Kalra’s medical practice is closed, and he is under home detention as legal proceedings unfold. The case raises serious concerns about ethical practices in healthcare and the misuse of medical licenses for nefarious activities.
Trenton, New Jersey — A local doctor has been federally charged with multiple offenses related to opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual misconduct involving patients.
Allegations against Dr. Ritesh Kalra
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician of Indian origin practicing in New Jersey, faces serious federal charges including distributing opioids without medical justification, committing healthcare fraud, and exploiting patients sexually. The U.S. Attorney’s office has officially announced these charges, highlighting the severity of Kalra’s alleged misconduct.
Details of Opioid Distribution and Medical Fraud
Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, with some days seeing him writing more than fifty prescriptions. Investigators describe his clinic as operating a “pill mill,” a term used to characterize facilities that illegally dispense prescription drugs on a large scale without proper medical oversight.
Further scrutiny revealed that Kalra billed Medicaid for consultations and counseling sessions that never occurred. His medical records reportedly contain fabricated progress notes, with identical entries for different patients and no vital signs recorded, raising concerns about the authenticity of his clinical documentation.
Sexual Exploitation of Patients
Multiple former employees and patients have reported allegations that Kalra engaged in inappropriate and sexual behavior. Several female patients expressed concerns about being touched sexually during their visits, with some accusing him of demanding oral sex and other sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions. One patient even accused Kalra of sexual assault, claiming that he forced anal sex during a clinical appointment.
Authorities indicate that Kalra exploited his medical position to solicit sexual favors, allegedly demanding sexual acts from patients to secure prescription medications.
Additional Illegal Practices
Kalra is also accused of continuing to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, which authorities consider a violation of legal and ethical standards. His practices also included submitting fraudulent documentation to bill for services never rendered.
The investigation uncovered detailed records with forged notes and no recorded vital signs, indicating a pattern of deliberate falsification aimed at maintaining his illicit prescriptions and billing schemes.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The federal charges against Kalra include three counts of illegal drug distribution and two counts of health care fraud. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each drug distribution charge and up to 10 years for each fraud-related count. Additionally, fines could total up to $1 million per drug charge and at least $250,000 per fraud charge.
Kalra has been placed under home detention with restrictions prohibiting him from practicing medicine or prescribing medication during legal proceedings. His medical practice has also been ordered to close pending the outcome of the case.
Implications and Broader Context
The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding the misuse of medical licenses for illicit purposes, including drug trafficking and sexual exploitation. Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring health practitioners to prevent such abuses and protect patient safety. The investigation highlights the damaging impact of unethical medical practices on public health and trust in healthcare systems.
Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra’s arrest and charges reflect a broad pattern of illegal and unethical behavior, from excessive opioid prescribing and Medicaid fraud to sexual misconduct. The case remains under legal review, with prosecutors asserting that his actions contributed to addiction, compromised patient safety, and defrauded public healthcare programs. The judicial process will determine the extent of his accountability and penalties.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
