A doctor from Secaucus was charged with prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors, as well as defrauding Medicaid in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, was charged in a five-count Complaint with three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, not for a legitimate medical purpose, and in exchange for sexual favors, and two counts of healthcare fraud, Habba said in a statement.
Kalra made his initial appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on home incarceration and an unsecured $100,000 bond.
He also is prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication and will be required to shut down his medical practice 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,” added Habba.
“By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives. Our Office will continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification.”
Kalra, an internist in Fair Lawn, allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids—including oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine to patients without a legitimate medical purpose.
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions.
Several of Kalra’s former employees reported that female patients complained that Kalra touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors of them, including oral sex, in order to obtain their prescriptions.
One patient described being sexually assaulted by Kalra on multiple occasions, including forced anal sex during clinical appointments.
Another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra when the patient was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with Dr. Kalra.
Kalra also allegedly billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred.
As part of the health care fraud scheme, Kalra’s electronic medical records allegedly contained false progress notes listing fabricated dates of service, and included examination notes that were generally identical from visit to visit and did not record vital signs.
“When we seek medical advice and treatment from doctors, we have to assume they have our best interests in mind. This investigation, conducted by the FBI and our partners, illustrates that Dr. Kalra had little regard for actually taking care of his patient,” added Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
“As alleged, he instead used them for his sexual gratification and, in the process, defrauded the state of New Jersey. A patient’s relationship and trust in a physician, while at their most vulnerable, is not something to be exploited for personal gain. We are asking anyone who may be a victim or knows someone who was treated by Dr. Kalra to get in touch with our office at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Each count of health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest.
Individuals who believe they may be victims of Kalra or have information about this case may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or by email at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov.
