News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been charged with opioid distribution and healthcare fraud in New Jersey. He allegedly solicited sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions and submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid. With over 31,000 prescriptions written, his practices led to significant illegitimate operations. Following his arrest, Kalra’s medical license has been suspended and his clinics closed. Authorities are investigating further while urging additional victims to come forward.
Secaucus, New Jersey – A 51-year-old doctor, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, has been charged with serious offenses related to opioid distribution and healthcare fraud in connection with a federal crackdown on medical malpractice. The internist, who practiced in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, faces multiple charges for allegedly distributing controlled substances in exchange for sexual favors and defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid program.
Kalra has been accused of leading an illegal operation wherein he solicited sexual acts from vulnerable patients in return for prescriptions. From January 2019 to February 2025, he allegedly wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for potent opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, often without any legitimate medical justification. His practices made him the top prescriber of oxycodone and promethazine with codeine in New Jersey during the investigation.
Prosecutors claim that Kalra exploited patients suffering from drug addiction, indicating that several female patients reported he made prescriptions contingent on performing sexual favors. In one incident cited, a victim stated that Kalra provided a prescription after she complied with his sexual demands in a locked examination room.
In addition to the accusations of distributing controlled substances for sexual favors, Kalra is charged with submitting fraudulent claims to New Jersey’s Medicaid program. Authorities have noted instances where he billed the program for medical appointments that never occurred, often relying on copied and pasted notes with fabricated vital statistics. Some claims were reportedly filed for patients who were incarcerated at the time they supposedly received care.
On July 18, Kalra was arrested and brought to a federal court in Newark, facing five charges—three related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances and two for healthcare fraud. Following his arrest, he was released under home incarceration, secured by a $100,000 unsecured bond, which also prohibits him from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger emphasized the gravity of the situation, criticizing Kalra for misusing his medical license to exploit patients rather than providing necessary care. If found guilty, Kalra could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years for each drug distribution charge and up to 10 years for each fraud charge, along with substantial fines.
This case is part of a broader federal initiative that has resulted in charges against 324 individuals nationwide, including nearly 100 licensed medical professionals, in various healthcare fraud schemes that have targeted over $14.6 billion in intended losses. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by the FBI, DEA, Department of Health and Human Services, and state authorities.
Kalra’s medical license has been suspended, and his clinics are confirmed to be closed. Authorities are on the lookout for additional victims, urging anyone who may have been affected or possesses valuable information regarding this case to contact federal law enforcement authorities.
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Physician Faces Charges for Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault
Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Exploitation
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Exploitation
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Indian-origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid Epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Malpractice
- India West
- Google News: Healthcare Fraud
- NDTV
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.
