News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra from Secaucus, NJ, faces serious charges for unlawfully distributing opioids and soliciting sexual favors from patients. Allegations include operating a ‘pill mill’ and committing healthcare fraud against Medicaid. With a five-count complaint against him, including multiple counts of illegal drug distribution, Kalra’s case raises ethical concerns about patient exploitation and the integrity of medical practices. He is currently under home incarceration and has been barred from practicing medicine while the investigation continues.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician based in Secaucus, has been charged with distributing opioids unlawfully and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. The allegations against Kalra include serious claims of healthcare fraud impacting New Jersey Medicaid, which raise concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Kalra faces a five-count complaint that includes three counts of improperly distributing opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud. During his first court appearance on July 17, under U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa, he was placed under home incarceration and released on an unsecured bond of $100,000. He has been prohibited from practicing medicine and must close his medical office while the investigation continues.
The case centers around Kalra’s operation of a so-called “pill mill” at his practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he allegedly prescribed significant amounts of opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without proper medical justification. Reports indicate that between January 2019 and February 2025, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including instances of writing more than 50 prescriptions in a single day.
Former staff members have come forward with distressing accounts, alleging that Kalra solicited sexual favors from female patients as a condition for obtaining prescriptions. In one particularly alarming report, a patient accused him of sexual assault, claiming he forced sex during clinical appointments. Another troubling detail emerged when investigators noted that Kalra continued to write opioid prescriptions for a patient who was incarcerated and therefore had no legitimate medical contact with him.
Additionally, Kalra is accused of billing for in-person consultations and counseling sessions that never occurred. Evidence suggests he falsified progress notes and manipulated electronic medical records to support these fraudulent claims, thereby defrauding the Medicaid system.
If found guilty, Kalra faces significant penalties. Each count of illegal drug distribution could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, alongside fines reaching up to $1 million. The healthcare fraud charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years, with fines that could range from $250,000 to double the profits or losses incurred due to the offenses.
Authorities have condemned Kalra’s actions, emphasizing the ethical and legal violations involved in exploiting patients, particularly those struggling with addiction. The allegations raise broader questions about the integrity of medical practices and the urgent need for enhanced oversight in the prescribing of pain medications.
Kalra’s attorney has strongly refuted the charges, labeling them as unfounded and sensational. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus will remain on the serious implications of the case for both the medical community and the patients who seek care.
This unfolding situation in New Jersey underscores ongoing concerns related to the opioid crisis and the vital importance of ethical practices in medicine. The expected developments in Kalra’s case may have lasting impacts on regulations and protections for patients in similar vulnerable positions.
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HERE Resources
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
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 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.
