News Summary
A doctor from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces serious charges including illegal opioid distribution, solicitation of sexual favors from patients, and Medicaid fraud. Ritesh Kalra is accused of prescribing large quantities of opioids without valid reasons, operating as a ‘pill mill,’ and exploiting vulnerable patients. Following his initial court appearance, he has been placed under home incarceration and is prohibited from practicing medicine. The case highlights ongoing concerns over illegal opioid prescribing and healthcare fraud amidst the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution, Sexual Favors, and Medicaid Fraud
The federal government has charged Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old medical professional from Secaucus, New Jersey, with multiple serious offenses including illegal distribution of opioids, solicitation of sexual favors from patients, and healthcare fraud. The allegations highlight significant violations of medical standards and federal laws, raising concerns about patient safety and Medicaid program integrity.
Details of the Charges
Kalra is formally charged in a five-count Complaint comprising three counts of distributing opioids outside the scope of legitimate medical practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. The charges stem from his operation of a medical practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he allegedly prescribed large quantities of opioids without valid medical reasons. The drugs involved include oxycodone and promethazine with codeine. His actions are reported to have involved issuing more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, with multiple days having over 50 prescriptions written.
Legal Proceedings and Court Appearance
Kalra made his initial court appearance on July 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Following the hearing, he was released under home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of his release conditions, he has been prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medication. Additionally, he has been ordered to shut down his medical practice until the resolution of the case.
The Nature of the Allegations
Historically, Kalra operated a pill mill, allegedly prescribing high doses of opioids without medical justification, contributing to drug misuse and addiction among his patients. Employees reported that some patients, particularly women, were coerced into providing sexual favors, including oral sex, in exchange for prescriptions. One patient has alleged sexual assault, including forced anal sex during clinical appointments.
Further accusations indicate Kalra continued to issue opioid prescriptions to a patient who was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no contact with him. The scheme extended to billing fraudulent charges for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred. Evidence suggests Kalra created false electronic medical records with fabricated service dates to support these claims.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Kalra faces severe penalties under federal law. Each illegal drug distribution count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The healthcare fraud counts could lead to up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from $250,000 up to double the financial loss or profit resulting from the offense. These penalties reflect the serious nature of the charges and the federal government’s commitment to combating opioid abuse and healthcare fraud.
Official Response and Legal Defense
Law enforcement officials and prosecutors condemned Kalra’s alleged misconduct, emphasizing that his actions exploited vulnerable patients struggling with addiction for personal financial gain. The case underscores ongoing concerns over illegal opioid prescribing practices and exploitation within the healthcare system.
Kalra’s attorney has denied the allegations, stating that the charges are baseless and inflammatory. His defense team asserts that there is insufficient evidence to proceed and plans to contest the charges in court.
Background Context
Kalra’s operation took place during a period when the opioid epidemic has been a major public health crisis in the United States, prompting increased scrutiny of medical practitioners involved in prescription practices. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to curb illegal drug distribution, Medicaid fraud, and abuse of healthcare systems, especially where patient safety and legal compliance are at risk.
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HERE Resources
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Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Misconduct
Additional Resources
- American Bazaar
- Wikipedia: Opioid Addiction
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- PIX11 News
- Google Search: Opioid Addiction Crisis
- NDTV
- Google News: Opioid Prescription Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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