News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist in New Jersey, is charged with medical fraud and sexual exploitation. Accusations include operating a ‘pill mill’ and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. Facing multiple felony charges, he is currently under home detention and barred from practicing medicine. If convicted, Kalra could face extensive prison time and hefty fines, highlighting serious breaches of medical ethics and patient trust in the healthcare system.
Newark, New Jersey – Indian-Origin Doctor Ritesh Kalra Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Exploitation
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist practicing in Secaucus, New Jersey, is facing serious charges related to medical fraud, illegal opioid distribution, and sexual misconduct. The federal case, initiated in Newark, alleges that Kalra operated a dangerous “pill mill” from his medical clinic in Fair Lawn, issuing thousands of prescriptions for opioids without legitimate medical reasons. He is currently under home incarceration following a court hearing, as prosecutors pursue multiple felony charges.
Details of Allegations and Charges
Kalra has been formally charged with a total of five federal crimes. Of these, three counts relate to illegal distribution of controlled substances, specifically opioids such as oxycodone, while two counts concern healthcare fraud. Prosecutors accuse Kalra of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. On some days, reports show he prescribed more than 50 such medications, often without proper medical evaluations or justification.
Operation of a “Pill Mill”
Investigators state that the doctor ran a “pill mill” out of his medical practice in Fair Lawn, primarily facilitating the illegal sale of powerful opioids. Evidence indicates that Kalra’s electronic medical records contained fabricated notes, with similar content across multiple patient files and no recorded vital signs. Additionally, he billed Medicaid for consultations that never occurred, defrauding the state health program of significant funds.
Exploitation and Sexual Misconduct
Prosecutors allege Kalra exploited vulnerable patients seeking relief from addiction by soliciting sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions. Investigations reveal multiple instances where female patients reported being sexually assaulted during clinical visits, including allegations of forced oral and anal sex. One patient recounted enduring repeated assaults of a similar nature over multiple encounters. These actions represent a severe breach of trust and a significant violation of patient rights.
continued Prescription Practices in Jail and Billing Fraud
Further charges include Kalra’s continued prescription of opioids to a patient incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite the lack of any medical contact or updated health information. He is also accused of billing Medicaid for consultations that did not happen, inflating healthcare costs and contributing to fraudulent claims.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Kalra made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa. He was released on home detention, secured by an unsecured bond of $100,000. Meanwhile, he has been barred from practicing medicine or issuing prescriptions while the case proceeds. The court has also ordered the closure of his medical clinic pending further legal review.
Potential Penalties and Impact
If convicted on all counts, Kalra faces significant penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison for each illegal drug distribution charge and up to 10 years for healthcare fraud. Fines may reach up to $1 million per drug-related charge and $250,000 or more for the fraud counts. The case highlights a profound breach of medical ethics and patient trust, with authorities emphasizing the exploitation of patients struggling with addiction for personal and financial gain.
Investigation and Public Safety Reminder
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has urged anyone who believes they or someone they know was affected by Dr. Kalra’s actions to come forward and report their experiences. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the misconduct and prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals.
As legal proceedings continue, authorities remain committed to holding Dr. Ritesh Kalra accountable for alleged crimes and ensuring patient safety across New Jersey and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Newark Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Patient Abuse
Federal Charges Against Utah Doctor Dismissed
California and Florida Legal Reforms on Personal Injury Laws
Pioneering Surgery in London: Frances Burney’s Mastectomy
U.S. Attorney General Drops Charges Against Doctor in Vaccine Case
DOJ Drops Vaccine Fraud Charges Against Utah Doctor
Additional Resources
- Hudson County View
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google Search: medical fraud cases
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: medical ethics
- New York Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ethics
- Daily Voice
- Google News: medical ethics violations
- RLS Media
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, 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 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
