NEWARK, NJ – A New Jersey physician has been charged with illegally distributing opioids in exchange for sexual favors and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program. Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, faces a five-count federal complaint, including three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. Prosecutors say Kalra used his Fair Lawn medical office to operate what amounted to a “pill mill” between January 2019 and February 2025.
According to court filings, Kalra issued more than 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions over that period—sometimes writing over 50 in a single day—often without medical justification. Several former employees told investigators that female patients reported being sexually touched or assaulted during appointments. Some alleged Kalra demanded oral sex or other sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions. One patient said she was repeatedly assaulted, including being forcibly subjected to anal sex during visits.
Prosecutors also allege Kalra prescribed opioids to a patient who was incarcerated at the time, without any actual examination or contact.
In addition to the drug charges, Kalra is accused of submitting false claims to New Jersey Medicaid for in-person visits and therapy sessions that never took place. Investigators say his electronic records were filled with fabricated visit dates and identical notes that omitted basic vital signs.
Kalra was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark on July 17. He was released to home incarceration on a $100,000 unsecured bond. As a condition of release, he is barred from practicing medicine, prescribing drugs, or operating a medical office while the case proceeds.
“Physicians hold a 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,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba in a statement.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy described the charges as a severe breach of patient trust. “As alleged, he instead used them for his sexual gratification and, in the process, defrauded the state of New Jersey.”
Each count of distributing opioids carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The healthcare fraud charges are punishable by up to 10 years each and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount gained or lost