NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Newark, NJ, July 21, 2025: A New Jersey physician has been charged with illegally distributing opioids to patients, allegedly in exchange for sexual favors, and with defrauding the state’s Medicaid program by billing for appointments that never occurred, federal prosecutors announced.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, appeared in federal court in Newark and was released on home confinement and a $100,000 unsecured bond. He is barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medication and has been ordered to shut down his Fair Lawn medical practice while the case is pending.
Kalra’s defense attorney, Michael Baldassare, strongly refuted the charges. “This complaint reads more like a supermarket tabloid than a legitimate legal document,” he said. “Dr. Kalra denies these allegations and looks forward to clearing his name in court.”
According to a press release issued by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s office, Kalra is charged with three counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and two counts of healthcare fraud. The complaint alleges that Kalra operated a “pill mill,” issuing more than 31,000 prescriptions for high-dose opioids—including oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine between January 2019 and February 2025. On some days, prosecutors say, he wrote as many as 50 prescriptions.
Federal authorities allege that Kalra used prescriptions as leverage for sexual favors from female patients. Several former employees reportedly witnessed patients complaining about unwanted sexual advances, with one patient accusing Kalra of multiple assaults, including forced anal sex during office visits. Another patient allegedly continued receiving prescriptions from Kalra even while incarcerated, without direct contact with the doctor.
In addition to the drug distribution allegations, Kalra is accused of billing New Jersey Medicaid for fictitious visits and counseling sessions. Investigators say his electronic records were filled with identical, recycled notes and omitted basic medical details such as vital signs.
“These charges reflect a grave abuse of power and professional trust,” said U.S. Attorney Habba. “Dr. Kalra is accused of exploiting his position to fuel addiction, solicit sex, and defraud public health systems.”
Federal investigators also expressed concern over the alleged conduct. FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy emphasized the betrayal of trust: “As alleged, Kalra used vulnerable patients for his own gratification and defrauded the state. Anyone who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact the FBI.”
If convicted, Kalra faces a maximum sentence of 20 years per drug charge and up to 10 years for each count of health care fraud, along with steep financial penalties.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, and local law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker are prosecuting the case.
Authorities stress that the charges are allegations and that Dr. Kalra is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
