The grim reality of healthcare fraud and patient exploitation
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces multiple charges for illegally distributing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and committing healthcare fraud. Allegations include operating a pill mill and issuing thousands of prescriptions without legitimate medical purpose. He has been released under strict conditions while his legal proceedings continue. The case highlights significant concerns regarding the opioid epidemic and the exploitation of vulnerable patients by healthcare professionals.
A 51-year-old doctor from Secaucus, New Jersey, Ritesh Kalra, has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses related to the illegal distribution of opioids and healthcare fraud. Prosecutors allege that Kalra exploited his medical license to prescribe high-dose opioids in exchange for sexual favors and defrauded Medicaid by submitting false billing claims.
Kalra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M.. Espinosa in Newark federal court on Thursday. During the hearing, he was released under strict conditions, including home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of court orders, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications while the case is ongoing. Additionally, he must shut down his medical practice during this period.
The five-count complaint filed against Kalra includes:
Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The healthcare fraud counts could result in a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss caused by the offense.
Investigation indicates that Kalra operated a pill mill out of his medical office in Fair Lawn. Authorities allege that he repeatedly prescribed high-dose opioids, such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without a legitimate medical purpose. Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, sometimes writing over 50 prescriptions in a single day.
Multiple former employees have reported that female patients alleged Kalra sexually misconducted them, claiming that he pressured them into sexual acts to obtain prescriptions. One patient further accused Kalra of sexual assault on multiple occasions, including allegations of forced anal sex during clinical appointments.
Kalra is also accused of submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims for visits and counseling sessions that never occurred. Evidence suggests that his electronic medical records contained false progress notes, fabricated dates of service, and repetitive exam notes without vital signs documentation, aiming to inflate billing and maximize profits dishonestly.
Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the allegations, describing the charges as baseless and inflammatory. The defense team dismissed the government’s press release as akin to “a supermarket tabloid”, defending his client’s reputation amidst the criminal accusations.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about the opioid epidemic and highlights issues surrounding the exploitation of vulnerable patients by healthcare professionals. Authorities emphasize that Kalra’s actions contributed to public health risks and systemic fraud, undermining trust in medical institutions and regulatory agencies.
The investigation continues, and authorities have indicated that further charges and legal actions could follow as their review progresses.
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