News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been charged with medical fraud, illegal opioid distribution, and soliciting sexual favors from patients. Kalra operated a pill mill, prescribing opioids without justification. He faces serious legal penalties, including potential prison time and hefty fines. The investigation revealed exploitation of vulnerable patients, prompting a federal inquiry. Kalra has been placed under home incarceration and barred from practicing medicine while legal proceedings continue.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Exploitation
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with significant medical fraud, illegal distribution of opioids, and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. Following a federal court hearing, Kalra has been placed under home incarceration.
The charges against Kalra include five federal counts: three for illegal drug distribution and two for health care fraud. He operated a so-called “pill mill” at his medical clinic in Fair Lawn, prescribing powerful opioids like oxycodone without a valid medical justification.
Prosecutors allege that from January 2019 to February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, often writing more than 50 prescriptions in a single day. Evidence suggests that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients battling addiction instead of using his medical expertise to aid them. Additionally, court documents state that he demanded sexual favors from female patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions, with one patient reporting a series of sexual assaults during clinical visits.
Charges and Penalties
Kalra faces serious legal repercussions. If convicted on the illegal drug distribution charges, he could receive up to 20 years in prison for each count. The health care fraud charges could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment for each count. Furthermore, fines may reach up to $1 million for each drug-related charge and over $250,000 for each fraud charge.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Kalra continued to issue prescriptions to an incarcerated individual at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no medical contact with the patient. Kalra is also accused of defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for consultations that allegedly never took place. His electronic medical records reportedly contain fabricated progress notes, which are identical across multiple patient files, indicating a lack of appropriate medical practice as no vital signs were recorded.
Actions Taken
As a result of the legal proceedings, Kalra made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa. He was released on home arrest with an unsecured bond of $100,000. While these proceedings are pending, he has been barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medications, and he must shut down his medical clinic.
Investigation Details
The investigation into Kalra’s practices illustrates a severe breach of trust, as patients who sought help for addiction and other medical issues were instead exploited for personal and financial gain. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the dangers presented by Kalra’s actions, stating that they endangered lives while exploiting individuals in vulnerable states.
The FBI has encouraged anyone who may have been a victim or knows someone who received treatment from Dr. Kalra to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation.
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Additional Resources
- Hudson County View
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google Search: medical fraud cases
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: medical ethics
- New York Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ethics
- Daily Voice
- Google News: medical ethics violations
- RLS Media
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
