News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a New Jersey internist, faces federal charges for illegally distributing opioids and committing Medicaid fraud. Allegations include exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and submitting false claims to Medicaid. The case is part of a nationwide crackdown on healthcare fraud, with significant penalties possible for the doctor. Authorities call for public awareness and reporting of similar incidents.
Newark, New Jersey – Federal Charges Filed Against Doctor for Opioid Distribution and Medicaid Fraud
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist practicing in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple federal offenses related to illegal drug distribution and healthcare fraud. The charges come as part of a broad federal initiative targeting medical professionals involved in malpractice and opioid abuse, emphasizing the ongoing effort to curb the nation’s opioid crisis and fraudulent medical billing practices.
Allegations of Illegal Distribution and Sexual Exploitation
Kalra is accused of running an illicit operation in which he distributed controlled substances, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, in exchange for sexual favors from patients. Investigators allege that from January 2019 through February 2025, Kalra wrote over 31,000 prescriptions for these powerful opioids, often without legitimate medical justification. During this period, he was identified as the top prescriber of these drugs in New Jersey.
Prosecutors allege that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients by offering prescriptions in exchange for sexual acts, including oral and anal sex. Several women reported that they were coerced into performing sexual favors to receive prescriptions, sometimes while impaired. An identified case involved a woman who reportedly received a prescription after complying with Kalra’s sexual demands in a closed examination room secured by a lock.
Medicaid Fraud Tied to Fake Medical Billing
In addition to the illegal drug distribution, Kalra is accused of committing healthcare fraud by submitting false claims to New Jersey’s Medicaid program. The allegations state that he billed Medicaid for medical appointments that never occurred. He reportedly used falsified patient notes, including copied and pasted documentation and fabricated vital signs, to support these claims. Some Medicaid claims were submitted for patients who were actually incarcerated at the time they were recorded as receiving care.
Legal Actions and Court Proceedings
On July 18, authorities arrested Kalra in Newark, New Jersey, and he was brought before a federal court to face multiple charges. He faces five counts: three related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances and two for healthcare fraud. He was released on home detention following a bail hearing, with a commitment to avoid practicing medicine or prescribing medications while the case is pending. A $100,000 unsecured bond was set for his release.
Official Response and Potential Penalties
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger criticized Kalra for allegedly abusing his medical license and exploiting patients suffering from addiction instead of providing legitimate care. If convicted on all counts, Kalra faces significant penalties: up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million for each drug distribution charge, and up to 10 years plus a $250,000 fine for each healthcare fraud charge.
Broader Context and Ongoing Investigations
This case is part of a larger federal crackdown that has resulted in charges against over 324 individuals nationwide, including nearly 100 licensed healthcare providers. The efforts are aimed at addressing healthcare fraud schemes that reportedly caused over $14.6 billion in potential losses.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Health and Human Services, and other state agencies continue their investigations. Authorities have suspended Kalra’s medical license, and his clinics have been shut down as part of the enforcement actions.
Public Awareness and Reporting
Officials urge anyone with information about Kalra or who may have been victimized to contact federal law enforcement agencies. The ongoing investigation seeks to identify additional victims and gather evidence related to the allegations.
Additional legal and administrative actions are anticipated as authorities continue to scrutinize this case and similar instances of medical malpractice and fraud across the country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Sexual Favors for Opioids in New Jersey
Doctor Accused of Running Pill Mill and Sexual Misconduct
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Sexual Exploitation
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
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid Epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Malpractice
- India West
- Google News: Healthcare Fraud
- NDTV
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.
