July 21, 2025

Doctor Charged with Sexual Favor Solicitation and Medicaid Fraud

STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
July 21, 2025
5:22 am
Indianapolis, IN

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist in New Jersey, is facing multiple charges including solicitation of sexual favors from patients for opioid prescriptions and healthcare fraud. He is accused of running a ‘pill mill,’ distributing over 31,000 prescriptions for controlled substances without proper medical justification. Allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate prescribing practices have emerged, raising serious ethical concerns. Kalra is currently released on home incarceration while facing legal proceedings that could severely impact his medical career.

Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Sexual Favor Solicitation and Medicaid Fraud

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist based in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, has been charged with serious criminal offenses involving the solicitation of sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions as well as multiple counts of healthcare fraud. The U.S. attorney’s office announced the charges in a formal press release outlining the accusations against Kalra.

According to the charges, Kalra has been implicated in distributing opioids, particularly oxycodone, without legitimate medical justification between January 2019 and February 2025. Allegedly, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone during this period, indicating a significant breach of medical ethics and practice. Additionally, he prescribed promethazine with codeine, a combination often abused for its sedative effects.

The physician faces a five-count complaint that includes three counts of distributing controlled substances outside of professional protocols and two counts related to healthcare fraud. Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of a monetary fine of up to $1 million. Furthermore, each count of healthcare fraud could result in a sentence of up to 10 years and fines reaching $250,000 or double the profit or loss incurred from the alleged offenses.

Doctor Accused of Operating a “Pill Mill”

Operating from his medical office, Kalra is accused of running a “pill mill,” a term used to describe practices wherein medical practitioners overprescribe controlled substances, often without proper medical examinations. Multiple former employees of Kalra reported that female patients complained about his conduct, claiming he solicited sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions. Some patients have noted alarming allegations, including instances of sexual assault during clinical appointments, with one victim alleging forced sexual acts.

Patient Misconduct and Incarceration Allegations

Furthermore, a report surfaced indicating that Kalra prescribed opioids to a patient who was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, raising questions about the legitimacy and appropriateness of his prescriptions. The scope of the alleged misconduct paints a troubling picture of how trust between a doctor and patient was severely compromised.

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

Following the announcement of the charges, Kalra appeared in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Currently, he has been released on home incarceration under an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of his release conditions, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications while the legal proceedings are ongoing. Additionally, he is required to shut down his medical practice.

Defense and Previous Issues

Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the accusations against him, characterizing the press release by the U.S. attorney’s office as sensationalized. In the past, Kalra has faced other legal challenges; in 2016, he was mandated to pay $12,000 in owed wages to a former employee after failing to compensate for work performed. This history suggests ongoing issues related to his professional conduct.

Conclusion

The legal case against Dr. Ritesh Kalra highlights grave concerns within the medical community regarding the appropriation of professional authority. As authorities continue to investigate, the implications of these charges could have lasting effects on both his career and the broader medical practices in New Jersey.

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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 state 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.

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