A New Jersey doctor has been charged with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid system. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, New Jersey, faces a five-count complaint that includes three counts of distributing opioids outside professional practice and two counts of healthcare fraud. Kalra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on home incarceration with an unsecured $100,000 bond. He 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 commented on the investigation conducted by the FBI: “This investigation illustrates that Dr. Kalra had little regard for actually taking care of his patients…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.”
DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino added: “Rather than offering help, Dr. Kalra exploited his victims at their most vulnerable—using opioids as leverage in exchange for sexual favors.”
Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also weighed in: “As alleged, Dr. Kalra took advantage of individuals struggling with addiction all for his own personal gratification.”
Court documents indicate that between January 2019 and February 2025, Dr. Kalra allegedly operated a pill mill out of his Fair Lawn medical office where he prescribed high-dose opioids without legitimate medical purposes.
Kalra is accused of billing for visits that never happened and maintaining false progress notes within electronic medical records.
Each count related to controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine, while each healthcare fraud count could result in up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense.
Individuals who believe they may be victims or have information about this case are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
U.S. Attorney Habba credited several law enforcement organizations with contributing to the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker from the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark.
The charges contained within the complaint are accusations only; Dr. Kalra is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Michael Baldassare, Esq.
