News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, an internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces serious charges for operating a ‘pill mill’ that illegally distributed opioids. Allegations include issuing over 31,000 prescriptions without proper medical justification and engaging in healthcare fraud. Additionally, reports of sexual misconduct during patient appointments have surfaced. Kalra has been released under house arrest while legal proceedings continue, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison for drug distribution charges.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Ritesh Kalra Accused of Running Pill Mill and Soliciting Sex for Opioid Prescriptions
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, is facing serious criminal charges related to the illegal distribution of opioids and allegations of sexual misconduct. The charges stem from allegations that Kalra operated a “pill mill,” prescribing large quantities of addiction-prone medications without legitimate medical justification, and engaging in fraudulent billing practices to financially benefit from Medicaid.
Allegations of Illegal Prescriptions and Healthcare Fraud
Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. The prescriptions included high-dose opioids and promethazine with codeine, medications known for their high potential for addiction and misuse. Some days reportedly saw as many as 50 prescriptions being issued, raising questions about the legitimacy of these medical orders.
The U.S. Attorney’s office states that Kalra’s practice lacked appropriate medical justification for these prescriptions. Evidence suggests that prescriptions were issued without proper examinations or medical need, with some records showing identical progress notes and missing vital signs, indicating potential fabrication.
Kalra faces a five-count complaint, including three counts of unauthorized distribution of opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud. The healthcare fraud allegations involve billing Medicaid for consultations and counseling sessions that, according to investigators, never took place. Several patients’ records included fabricated documentation to support false billing claims, thus defrauding the state healthcare program.
Assault Allegations and Misconduct
Former employees and patient reports have brought additional troubling allegations against Kalra. Several female patients alleged that he touched them inappropriately during appointments and demanded sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions. One patient claimed to have been repeatedly sexually assaulted, including being forced into anal sex during visits, according to witnesses familiar with the case.
Despite the ongoing investigation and mounting allegations, Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to some patients, including individuals who had no contact with him through legitimate visits, such as an incarcerated patient, further complicating the case.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Kalra appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and has been released under house arrest after posting a $100,000 bond. As part of the conditions of his release, he has been ordered to cease practicing medicine immediately and to close his medical clinic while the case proceeds.
If convicted on the charges, Kalra faces significant prison time—up to 20 years for each count related to illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each healthcare fraud count. These potential sentences highlight the severity of the allegations against him.
Defense and Past Record
Kalra’s attorney has defended him against the accusations, describing the government’s claims as baseless and sensationalized. Historically, records show that Kalra was ordered to pay $12,000 in wages to an employee due to prior non-payment issues, although this matter is unrelated to the current case.
Summary
The case against Ritesh Kalra exemplifies concerns over the illegal prescribing of opioids and healthcare fraud that have become prominent nationwide. Authorities continue to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, illegal drug distribution, and fraudulent billing as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug abuse and safeguard patient safety in New Jersey.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Sexual Exploitation
Doctor Charged with Prescribing Opioids for Sexual Favors
Charges Against New Jersey Doctor Ritesh Kalra
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Newark Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Patient Abuse
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- NJ.com
- Google Scholar: medical fraud
- PIX11 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare fraud
- Times of India
- Google News: sexual exploitation in medicine
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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.
