NEWARK, N.J. — A Secaucus physician was charged with illegally prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims for visits that never occurred, federal authorities announced Friday.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, was charged in a five-count criminal complaint with three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark and was released on home incarceration with a $100,000 unsecured bond. He has been barred from practicing medicine while the case is pending.
Federal investigators allege Kalra operated a pill mill out of his Fair Lawn medical office, where he prescribed high-dose opioids—primarily oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine without medical justification. Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions, including on days where he wrote more than 50 scripts.
According to court filings, multiple female patients reported being sexually exploited by Kalra during appointments in exchange for prescriptions. One woman alleged being sexually assaulted on multiple occasions, including being forced into anal sex during clinic visits. Investigators also found that Kalra issued prescriptions to at least one patient who was incarcerated at the time and had no contact with him.
Kalra is further accused of billing New Jersey Medicaid for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never took place. Electronic medical records were allegedly filled with copy-pasted notes, fabricated dates of service, and omitted vital signs.
“This is truly a disturbing case of a doctor exploiting patients and public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. “He not only violated the law, but endangered lives.”
Each drug distribution charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Each healthcare fraud charge carries up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine, or twice the financial impact of the offense.
