A depiction of a medical clinic linked to serious allegations of illegal opioid prescriptions.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist in New Jersey, is facing serious charges for allegedly running a pill mill that prescribed opioids in exchange for sexual favors. He is accused of writing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone and defrauding Medicaid. Kalra has been placed under house arrest and faces lengthy prison time if convicted. The case raises concerns about prescription drug abuse and healthcare fraud, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in the medical profession.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist of Indian descent, is facing serious charges for allegedly operating a “pill mill” where opioids were illegally prescribed in exchange for sexual favors. The U.S. Attorney’s office has filed a five-count complaint against Kalra, which includes three counts of unauthorized distribution of opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud.
According to the allegations, Kalra wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. His prescribing practices raised significant red flags, with reports indicating he wrote as many as 50 prescriptions in a single day. The prescriptions also included high-dose opioids, as well as promethazine with codeine, both of which carry a high potential for addiction and misuse. The U.S. Attorney’s office contends that Kalra’s medical practice lacked any legitimate medical justification for the prescriptions issued.
In addition to the drug distribution allegations, Kalra is accused of defrauding Medicaid by billing for consultations and counseling sessions that did not take place. Investigations revealed doctored medical records with identical progress notes and the absence of vital sign checks. Former employees of Kalra’s clinic provided testimony that several female patients alleged inappropriate touching and were allegedly coerced into providing sexual favors in exchange for these prescriptions. One patient has purportedly claimed to have been sexually assaulted multiple times by Kalra during her appointments.
In a concerning instance, Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated and had no contact with him, further emphasizing the alleged irresponsibility in his prescribing habits. Following these revelations, Kalra appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released under house arrest after posting a $100,000 unsecured bond. He has been ordered to cease practicing medicine and to close his medical clinic while the case is ongoing.
If convicted, Kalra faces significant prison time: up to 20 years for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. His attorney has publicly refuted the allegations, labeling them as baseless and sensationalized.
To add to the scrutiny, historical records reveal that Kalra previously faced legal issues, including a $12,000 order to pay an employee for unpaid wages. This additional context raises further questions about the regulatory oversight of his medical practice.
The case underscores the critical issues surrounding prescription drug abuse and the manipulation of the healthcare system for personal gains. Ongoing investigations may lead to broader implications for the healthcare field, particularly concerning the need for stricter regulations regarding opioid prescriptions.
The developments in this case will be closely monitored as the legal proceedings progress, and further evidence may emerge that could impact the outcome for Dr. Ritesh Kalra.
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