A New Jersey doctor, Ritesh Kalra, has been charged with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for non-existent visits. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Kalra, aged 51 from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces a five-count complaint including three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual professional practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on home incarceration under an unsecured $100,000 bond. Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medication while the case is pending.
“Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare program,” stated U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy remarked on the investigation: “When we seek medical advice and treatment from doctors, we have to assume they have our best interests in mind… As alleged, he instead used them for his sexual gratification.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino commented on the opioid crisis: “In the fight against the opioid crisis… Rather than offering help, Dr. Kalra exploited his victims at their most vulnerable.”
Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz emphasized the betrayal of professional responsibility: “Physicians who recklessly and illegitimately distribute controlled substances undermine critical efforts to battle the opioid crisis.”
Court documents reveal that Kalra allegedly operated a pill mill out of his Fair Lawn office between January 2019 and February 2025, issuing over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions without legitimate medical purpose. Former employees reported complaints from female patients about unwanted sexual advances by Kalra.
The health care fraud allegations include billing for non-existent visits with fabricated electronic medical records.
Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine; each healthcare fraud count carries up to 10 years imprisonment and fines.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited several law enforcement agencies with conducting the investigation leading to these charges.
Individuals believing themselves victims or having information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or via email at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker are representing the government in this case.
The charges are accusations only; Kalra is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
