Image source: Dr. Ritesh Kalra, pictured on his office website, is barred from practicing medicine.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, an internal medicine physician, has been federally charged for running a “pill mill” out of his private practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, allegedly exchanging opioid prescriptions for sex and fraudulently billing Medicaid for fake appointments. His charges are, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, “3 counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, not for a legitimate medical purpose, and in exchange for sexual favors, and 2 counts of healthcare fraud.”
After appearing in Newark federal court, Kalra was released on an unsecured $100,000 bond and placed on home incarceration.
Kalra’s Practice
Dr. Kalra of Secaucus, NJ, operated Ritesh Kalra MD LLC, located at 15-01 Broadway Street, Suite 8, in Fair Lawn, NJ. His practice offered primary care and internal medicine services — comprehensive medical care for adults, focused on diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and hypertension.
On his office website, Dr. Kalra claims his “primary goal is to ensure all of his patients receive the highest level of care, ensuring the best treatment options…for their unique needs.” But recent allegations paint a far different picture; one in which medical care was allegedly used as a cover for abuse, deception, and sexual exploitation.
Kalra has been barred from practicing medicine or writing prescriptions. He is also required to close his practice while the case is pending. (Justice.gov)
A Pattern of Exploitation
Federal prosecutors allege that Dr. Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between the beginning of 2019 and early 2025, sometimes as many as approximately 50 in just one day. Many of those prescriptions were written alongside promethazine with codeine, a drug that, when paired with opioids, can intensify the high and increase the risk of harm. Schedule II opioids like oxycodone are among the most addictive and dangerous prescription medications, with a high risk of overdose and death when misused.
According to the criminal complaint, many pharmacies refused to fill Dr. Kalra’s prescriptions due to concerns about his prescription practices, including his repeated pairing of oxycodone with promethazine with codeine. Despite this, a few pharmacies, including the Jersey City Pharmacy, continued to dispense large volumes of his prescriptions.
The criminal complaint alleges that Dr. Kalra prescribed controlled substances “(i) without a legitimate medical purpose, (ii) despite knowing or having reason to know that his patients were either misusing, abusing, and/or diverting such medications; (iii) despite having no contact with the patients, and (iv) in exchange for sexual favors from female patients.”
Former employees reported that some of Dr. Kalra’s female patients said he touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors. They said they complied in order to access medications. Staff also recalled hearing “sexual sounds” during appointments with certain patients.
These allegations point to a calculated pattern of exploitation, deception, and abuse that put vulnerable patients at serious risk.
The Allegations Against Kalra
Kalra allegedly sexually assaulted a female patient at least three times during medical appointments and told her she needed to comply in order to receive prescriptions. He told her to “be quiet and not to tell anyone about his conduct.” (Justice.gov) When she refused him, he stopped treating her and cut off her medication.
According to the criminal complaint, another patient said Dr. Kalra made sexually inappropriate comments to her during her very first medical visit. Allegedly, she responded by telling him these comments were inappropriate, and he questioned if she was recording him. He later hired her to work at the front desk of his practice.
While employed there, she reportedly overheard Kalra arguing with a female patient, who accused him of inappropriately touching women and threatened to sue him.
Even after she was no longer in contact with Kalra, he allegedly continued prescribing her high-dose opioids without exams and billed Medicaid more than $2,000 for visits that never happened.
While there is no indication that Dr. Kalra sexually abused the third patient, federal prosecutors allege that he issued prescriptions for high-dose opioids in the patient’s name. However, the individual was incarcerated and did not attend appointments or receive medication. Kalra also allegedly billed Medicaid approximately $799 for visits that never occurred, which constitutes healthcare fraud.
What Investigators Are Saying
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba highlights how Kalra reportedly used his position to abuse patients: “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. By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives.”
The investigation was the result of coordinated efforts between federal prosecutors and the FBI.
“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 patients. 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,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
Investigators continue to gather information. If you believe you may be a victim or have information to share, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or by email at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov.
Who May Be Held Responsible?
Besides running his own practice, Kalra also held admitting privileges — meaning he could treat or admit patients — at several medical centers and hospitals in New Jersey, including:
- St. Joseph’s University Medical Center
- St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center
- Holy Name Medical Center
- CarePoint Health Bayonne Medical Center
- CarePoint Health Hoboken University Medical Center
- Jersey City Medical Center
If any of these facilities knew about Kalra’s misconduct or ignored warning signs, they may share legal responsibility for the harm he caused. Hospitals have a duty to vet and monitor the physicians they allow to practice within their facilities. If they fail to act on complaints, they can be held liable in civil court.
Learn more about hospital liability.
Support for Victims of Medical Abuse
Patients trust their doctors not just to treat them, but to act in their best interest, especially when powerful medications are involved. If the allegations are true, Dr. Kalra violated that trust in the most serious way, exploiting vulnerable patients for personal gain.
If you were abused or exploited by Dr. Kalra, you are not alone — and you may have legal options.
Our firm represents survivors of medical abuse. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights. Whether you’re ready to take legal action or just need someone to listen, we’re here when you’re ready.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney.
