News Summary
A physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with illegally distributing opioids, engaging in sexual misconduct with patients, and committing healthcare fraud. The federal complaint highlights serious misconduct, including billing Medicaid for non-existent treatments and abusing vulnerable patients. The doctor faces multiple counts and significant legal penalties if convicted. As part of his release, he is prohibited from practicing medicine while the case is ongoing, raising concerns over patient exploitation and the opioid epidemic’s impact on public health.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution, Sexual Exploitation, and Healthcare Fraud
A federal criminal complaint has been filed against Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from Secaucus, New Jersey, accusing him of multiple serious offenses including illegally distributing opioids, engaging in sexual misconduct with patients, and defrauding Medicaid. The charges underline ongoing issues related to the opioid epidemic and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the healthcare system.
Details of the Charges and Court Proceedings
Kalra has been formally charged with a total of five counts. The complaint includes three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of legitimate medical practice and for illegitimate medical purposes. Additionally, two counts of healthcare fraud concern billing Medicaid for treatments that did not occur. The allegations stem from an investigation that suggests significant misconduct during his medical practice.
Kalra made his initial court appearance on a recent Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Following the proceedings, he was released under specific conditions including home incarceration and posting an unsecured bond of $100,000.
Medical Practice Shutdown and Legal Restrictions
As part of the conditions of his release, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications. Moreover, he is required to immediately shut down his medical practice during the ongoing case to prevent further potential harm or illegal activity.
Allegations of Exploitation and Fraud
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, New Jersey, emphasized that Kalra exploited his position by abusing the trust of vulnerable patients. It is alleged that he engaged in multiple instances of sexual misconduct, pressuring female patients into sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions and other medical favors.
Investigators allege Kalra operated what is known as a pill mill from his office located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Records indicate he repeatedly prescribed high-dose opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, often without any legitimate medical basis. Between January 2019 and February 2025, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with instances of writing more than 50 prescriptions in a single day.
Patient Exploitation and Sexual Misconduct
Multiple former staff members have reported that female patients informed them of encounters with Kalra that involved sexual misconduct. Allegations include claims that he pressured some into sexual acts as a condition for receiving medical prescriptions.
One specific patient reported being subjected to sexual assault on multiple occasions during clinical appointments, including alleged forced anal sex. These serious accusations add to the concerns surrounding his medical practice and ethical conduct.
Financial Fraud and Record Falsification
Kalra is also accused of billing Medicaid for medical visits and counseling sessions that did not actually occur. Electronic medical records allegedly contained fabricated progress notes and false dates of service. Examination notes were reportedly repetitive and lacked basic details such as vital signs, raising questions about the authenticity of the medical records and billing practices.
Legal Penalties and Defense
If convicted on all counts, Kalra faces potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each of the distribution charges. The healthcare fraud charges could lead to up to 10 years in prison per count and fines of up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss resulting from the offenses.
Kalra’s attorney has denied the allegations, describing the charges as baseless and inflammatory. The defense team has dismissed the federal government’s press release as “akin to a supermarket tabloid,” asserting that the accusations lack merit.
Public Health Context
This case underscores broader concerns about the misuse of controlled substances amid the opioid epidemic, as well as the exploitation of patients by healthcare professionals. It also highlights ongoing challenges related to healthcare fraud and the importance of regulatory oversight to protect public health and safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Prescribing Opioids for Sexual Favors
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Misconduct in New Jersey
Charges Against New Jersey Doctor Ritesh Kalra
Indian-Origin Doctor Faces Criminal Charges for Medical Fraud
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Newark Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Patient Abuse
Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Deccan Herald
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Fraud
- NJ.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual exploitation
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra Doctor
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.
