News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a doctor from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with distributing opioids for sexual favors and committing healthcare fraud. He faces multiple federal counts related to exploiting patients and falsifying medical records. Accusations include demanding sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions and fabricating billing documents. If convicted, Kalra could face significant prison time and fines. His practice is currently halted, and he has been released on home incarceration pending trial. The case raises concerns about patient safety and ethical conduct in medical practices.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with multiple offenses including the distribution of opioids for sexual favors and healthcare fraud, following a thorough investigation by federal authorities. The charges involve serious allegations of exploiting patients and violating medical ethics, as well as defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid system.
Kalra faces five counts in a federal complaint: three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, and two counts of healthcare fraud. He made his first court appearance on July 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. After the proceedings, Kalra was released on home incarceration with an unsecured bond set at $100,000.
As a result of the allegations, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medication and is required to cease operations of his medical practice during the ongoing case. He reportedly operated a pill mill in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he prescribed high doses of opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, without legitimate medical justification.
Allegations of Misconduct
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with reports indicating that he wrote more than 50 prescriptions in a single day on several occasions. Disturbingly, former employees have alleged that Kalra demanded sexual favors from female patients in exchange for these prescriptions, including serious accusations of sexual assault from one patient, who claimed forced sexual acts occurred during clinical appointments.
Furthermore, Kalra is accused of continuing to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no direct contact with him. He allegedly engaged in fraudulent billing practices, charging for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never took place, while fabricating electronic medical records to create false progress notes documenting nonexistent services.
Legal Repercussions
If convicted, Kalra faces significant legal consequences. Each count of illegal drug distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and potential fines of up to $1 million. The healthcare fraud counts could lead to up to 10 years behind bars and fines ranging from $250,000 to potentially double the profit or loss incurred due to the fraudulent activities.
Community Response
Prosecutors and local officials have condemned Kalra’s alleged actions, highlighting the detrimental impact of such exploitative behavior on vulnerable patients struggling with addiction. The case raises serious concerns about patient safety and the integrity of medical practices in the community, especially in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis affecting many regions across the United States.
Defense’s Position
Kalra’s attorney has firmly denied the allegations, labeling the charges as baseless and inflammatory. The defense contends that these claims do not reflect the truth of Kalra’s practice and has vowed to challenge the accusations in court.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under active investigation, and more details may emerge as legal proceedings continue. The significance of holding healthcare professionals accountable for unethical practices is paramount, especially in light of current public health challenges surrounding opioid misuse and patient safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Sexual Exploitation
Additional Resources
- American Bazaar
- Wikipedia: Opioid Addiction
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- PIX11 News
- Google Search: Opioid Addiction Crisis
- NDTV
- Google News: Opioid Prescription Fraud
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.
