News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces federal charges for illegally prescribing opioids and healthcare fraud. Allegations state he exchanged prescriptions for sexual favors and submitted false billing for consultations. This case highlights the exploitation within the healthcare system amid the ongoing opioid crisis. Kalra has been placed under home incarceration and suspended from medical practice pending trial.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Illegally Prescribing Opioids for Sexual Favors and Healthcare Fraud
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple federal offenses related to drug distribution and healthcare fraud. The charges allege that Kalra engaged in illegal prescribing practices, including issuing substantial quantities of powerful opioids in exchange for sexual favors, and falsifying billing documents to deceive healthcare authorities.
Allegations of Illegal Prescriptions and Exploitation
Federal prosecutors accuse Kalra of operating a medical practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, which officials described as a “pill mill.” Between January 2019 and February 2025, he is alleged to have issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, a potent opioid painkiller. At times, Kalra is believed to have written more than 50 prescriptions in a single day, raising concerns about the volume and legitimacy of his prescribing habits.
The case further claims that Kalra provided prescriptions for medications such as promethazine with codeine, another controlled substance, often without proper medical justification. These prescriptions allegedly served the purpose of fueling opioid misuse and addiction among his patients, many of whom were considered vulnerable.
Sexual Favors in Exchange for Prescriptions
Prosecutors allege that Kalra engaged in a pattern of exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors. Such conduct exploited the trust of his patients, taking advantage of their vulnerable situations to benefit personally. These actions are central to the charges and highlight illegal conduct beyond the scope of typical medical practice.
Billing Fraud and Fictitious Consultations
In addition to accusations related to drug prescribing, Kalra is charged with healthcare fraud. Authorities claim that he submitted false billing claims for fictitious in-person consultations and counseling sessions. These false claims were designed to receive illegal reimbursements from insurance providers and government healthcare programs, further complicating his alleged fraudulent activities.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Following the charges, Kalra appeared before a magistrate judge in Newark, New Jersey. He has been released from custody under home incarceration with an unsecured bond of $100,000. As part of the bail conditions, Kalra has been ordered to suspend all medical practice until the case is resolved, preventing him from seeing patients or issuing prescriptions.
Responses from Defense and Broader Context
Kalra’s lawyer, Michael Baldassare, described the allegations as sensationalized, comparing the government’s press release to a “supermarket tabloid.” Despite this, the case is part of a larger trend in the United States where medical professionals are increasingly implicated in exploiting the opioid epidemic for personal gain.
Official Remarks and Impact
US Attorney Alina Habba emphasized that Kalra used his medical credentials to fuel addiction and to commit healthcare fraud, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the government’s commitment to cracking down on such abuses within the healthcare system.
Background and Context
This case reflects ongoing efforts to address opioid abuse by targeting healthcare providers suspected of contributing to the crisis through illegal prescribing practices. It also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring that medical professionals adhere to legal and ethical standards, especially amid widespread opioid misuse and addiction issues that have affected many communities nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
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.
