News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a physician in New Jersey, faces serious charges including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. Authorities claim he operated a ‘pill mill’, issuing thousands of prescriptions without medical justification, often soliciting sexual favors in exchange. His alleged actions not only breach ethical standards but also raise alarms about patient safety. Currently under home arrest, Kalra could face significant prison time and financial penalties if convicted, highlighting urgent concerns about medical ethics and licensing abuses.
Newark, New Jersey – Indian-origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Medical Fraud
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from New Jersey, has been charged with serious offenses including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. The U.S. Attorney’s office has labeled his clinic as a “pill mill,” where opioids were distributed without a legitimate medical purpose.
The allegations against Kalra suggest he issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, with records indicating he wrote up to 50 prescriptions in a single day. Many of these prescriptions were purportedly linked to his solicitation of sexual favors from female patients.
Details of the Allegations
Kalra is accused of demanding oral sex and other sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Several former employees have revealed that female patients complained about being sexually touched by Kalra during medical appointments, further complicating the already serious charges against him.
One particularly disturbing accusation involves a patient who claims Kalra sexually assaulted her, alleging forced anal sex during a clinical visit. Additionally, he reportedly continued to issue opioid prescriptions for a patient who was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, raising significant concerns about the legitimacy of his medical practices.
In conjunction with these allegations, Kalra is said to have billed New Jersey Medicaid for consultations and counseling sessions that never took place. Evidence indicates he fabricated progress notes that contained identical information for different patients, with no vital signs documented in these assessments, showcasing an apparent disregard for standard medical practices.
Legal Consequences and Current Status
Kalra is currently facing five federal charges: three related to illegal drug distribution and two concerning health care fraud. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the drug distribution counts and up to 10 years for each fraud count. Financial penalties could reach $1 million per drug charge and over $250,000 for each fraud charge.
As a precautionary measure, Kalra has been placed under home arrest, during which he is prohibited from practicing medicine or writing prescriptions. He must also close his medical practice while the legal proceedings unfold.
Wider Implications
This case brings to light the perilous abuse of medical licenses for personal gain and sexual gratification, according to authorities. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has underscored the vital responsibility physicians have in safeguarding the health of their patients and has condemned Kalra’s actions for fueling addiction and defrauding the healthcare system. The charges against Kalra reflect a broader concern regarding the intersection of opioid distribution and medical ethics, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in medical practices.
The unfolding legal proceedings will be closely monitored, as they not only concern Kalra’s future but also touch upon critical issues regarding patient safety and the integrity of medical practice within the state of New Jersey.
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