News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a New Jersey internist, faces serious charges for allegedly soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions and committing healthcare fraud. The legal actions include a five-count complaint detailing his illegal distribution of opioids and accusations of sexual misconduct. Kalra, under home incarceration, is prohibited from practicing medicine as the case unfolds. His attorney disputes the charges, yet the healthcare community remains shaken by these allegations against a practicing physician.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Doctor Accused of Soliciting Sexual Favors for Opioid Prescriptions and Medicaid Fraud
New Jersey authorities have officially charged Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, an internist based in Fair Lawn and residing in Secaucus, with serious criminal offenses related to medical misconduct and fraud. The allegations include soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions and committing healthcare fraud through the illegal distribution of controlled substances.
Key Details of the Charges
The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney Alina Habba in a formal press release. Dr. Kalra faces a five-count complaint, which includes three counts of distributing opioids outside the bounds of professional medical practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. The maximum penalties for each count of opioid distribution are up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. For healthcare fraud, the penalties can reach 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 or double the illicit gains.
Extent of the Allegations
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Dr. Kalra is accused of issuing more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid often linked to addiction and abuse. The prescriptions issued also included promethazine with codeine, another controlled substance. According to authorities, much of this prescribing activity constituted a “pill mill” operation run out of his medical office, violating standard medical practices and laws designed to prevent opioid misuse.
Illegal Distribution and Abuse
Evidence suggests that Dr. Kalra distributed opioids without legitimate medical purposes. He allegedly issued prescriptions for patients, including some who were incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, raising questions about the oversight and legitimacy of these prescriptions. The volume and nature of prescriptions raise concerns that many were issued inappropriately, contributing to potential abuse and addiction issues.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Several former employees and patients have reported disturbing allegations involving Dr. Kalra. Some female patients reportedly complained that the doctor solicited sexual favors as a condition for receiving prescribed medications. One particularly serious accusation involves a patient claiming to have been sexually assaulted multiple times during clinical appointments, including incidents of forced anal sex. These allegations add a criminal dimension related to abuse of authority and misconduct within a healthcare setting.
Status of Legal Proceedings
Dr. Kalra appeared for his initial court hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. He has been released pending trial on home incarceration and an unsecured bond of $100,000. While the case is ongoing, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications, and he is required to shut down his medical practice during the legal proceedings.
Defensive Stance and Previous Incident
Kalra’s attorney has publicly denied the charges, dismissing the press release as sensationalized and comparing it to tabloid news. Notably, this is not the first time Kalra has faced legal issues; in 2016, he was ordered to pay $12,000 in wages owed to an employee after failing to compensate them for work performed, indicating past legal challenges related to employment practices.
Summary
This case highlights serious allegations against a practicing physician involving the illegal distribution of opioids, Medicaid fraud, and alleged sexual misconduct. The legal process is underway, and Dr. Kalra remains under court supervision, with restrictions on his medical practice, as authorities continue their investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NDTV
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra doctor
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical ethics
- Zee News
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Live Mint
- Google Scholar: Medical fraud and ethics
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