News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with running a pill mill and soliciting sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed accusations including unauthorized opioid distribution and healthcare fraud. Kalra is reportedly responsible for over 31,000 opioid prescriptions and is under investigation for accusations of inappropriate behavior towards patients. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, emphasizing concerns regarding opioid abuse and medical fraud.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Federal Charges Filed Against Doctor Ritesh Kalra for Alleged Pill Mill Operations and Sexual Solicitation
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist based in Secaucus, New Jersey, faces serious federal allegations related to the illegal distribution of opioids and the abuse of his medical practice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced charges accusing Kalra of operating a “pill mill”—a repeat pattern of prescribing medications online without medical justification—and engaging in solicitation of sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions.
Accusations and Charges
The complaint against Kalra includes five counts of criminal activity, specifically:
- Three counts of unauthorized distribution of opioids
- Two counts of healthcare fraud
Kalra is accused of prescribing over 31,000 opioid prescriptions for medications such as oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. Some days saw as many as 50 prescriptions issued, many of which involved high-dose opioids and promethazine with codeine—a combination known for its high potential for addiction and misuse.
Medical Practice and Fraud Allegations
The U.S. Attorney’s Office asserts that Kalra’s prescriptions lacked legitimate medical justification and that his practice was primarily driven by illicit motives. Kalra is also accused of defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid program by billing for consultations and counseling sessions that never took place, supported by fabricated medical records that showed identical notes and missing vital signs.
Reports of Abuse and Misconduct
Former employees of Kalra’s clinic have reported disturbing allegations, including that female patients had accused him of inappropriate touching. Several patients claimed that Kalra demanded sexual favors from them in exchange for prescriptions. One patient reported multiple instances of sexual assault, including coerced acts of anal sex during appointments.
Prescriptions Despite Incarceration and Court Proceedings
Despite being involved in legal proceedings, Kalra continued to prescribe opioids, including to a patient who was incarcerated and had no contact with him. Following his court appearance, Kalra was released under house arrest after posting a $100,000 unsecured bond. He also has been ordered to cease practicing medicine and to close his clinic during the ongoing case.
Potential Penalties and Legal Consequences
If convicted on all charges, Kalra faces significant prison time. Each count of illegal drug distribution could carry up to 20 years in federal prison, while each healthcare fraud count could result in penalties of up to 10 years. The case remains active as authorities investigate further evidence against him.
Defenses and Background Context
Kalra’s legal representative has denied the charges, dismissing them as baseless and sensationalized. Historical records reveal that Kalra was previously ordered to pay wages owed to an employee—an unrelated issue that surfaced prior to these allegations.
The case against Ritesh Kalra underscores ongoing concerns about illegal opioid prescribing practices and the abuse of medical authority, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight and accountability in healthcare settings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- NJ.com
- Google Scholar: medical fraud
- PIX11 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare fraud
- Times of India
- Google News: sexual exploitation in medicine
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.
