News Summary
A Fair Lawn doctor, Ritesh Kalra, faces serious allegations of opioid distribution and healthcare fraud. He is accused of running a ‘pill mill’ and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. Kalra is charged with illegal opioid distribution and healthcare fraud, facing potential imprisonment and fines. Furthermore, allegations of sexual abuse and fraudulent billing practices raise concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The ongoing investigation highlights critical issues in patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare system.
Secaucus, New Jersey – A 51-year-old doctor, Ritesh Kalra, is facing serious charges related to opioid distribution and healthcare fraud. The accusations include distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid program. Kalra was charged in a five-count complaint, including three counts related to illegal distribution of opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud.
The case against Kalra emerged from investigations indicating that he operated a “pill mill” out of his medical office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Between January 2019 and February 2025, it is alleged that he wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, frequently issuing up to 50 prescriptions in a single day. Reports from former employees suggest that Kalra demanded sexual favors from female patients as a condition for receiving medications.
Kalra made his initial court appearance on July 17, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Following the hearing, he was released on home incarceration under an unsecured bond of $100,000. As a condition of his release, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications and is required to shut down his medical practice while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Overview of Charges
Kalra faces a total of five counts: three counts of distributing opioids outside normal professional practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. Each count of illegal drug distribution can result in a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million. The healthcare fraud charges carry potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison with fines that can range from $250,000 to double the profit or loss resulting from the offense.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse
Allegations against Kalra extend beyond the illegal distribution of opioids. One patient has accused him of multiple instances of sexual assault, including forced sexual acts during clinical appointments. These disturbing claims highlight a pattern of exploitation of vulnerable patients, many of whom struggle with addiction. It was indicated that Kalra continued to write opioid prescriptions for one patient who was incarcerated and had no consultations with him.
Fraudulent Billing Practices
In addition to the serious allegations involving patient interactions, Kalra is accused of engaging in fraudulent billing practices. He allegedly billed for non-existent in-person visits and counseling sessions, creating false progress notes with fabricated dates in the electronic medical records to support these claims. This misuse of medical billing systems highlights the extent of the financial fraud involved.
Response to Allegations
In response to the charges, Kalra’s legal representation has vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and inflammatory. The case has drawn significant attention from prosecutors and healthcare officials, who denounce Kalra’s actions as an exploitation of vulnerable individuals for personal gain. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings are likely to shed more light on the extent of the alleged malpractice and fraudulent behavior.
The unfolding case emphasizes the serious consequences of illegal opioid distribution and the exploitation of patients within the healthcare system. As the investigation continues, concerns about the impact of such actions on patient safety and the integrity of medical practices remain paramount.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Physician Faces Charges for Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault
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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
