New York: In a sweeping federal crackdown on medical malpractice and opioid abuse, a New Jersey-based Indian-origin doctor has been charged with distributing controlled substances in exchange for sexual favours, and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program through bogus medical billing. He has also been accused of running illegal distribution of opioids. and soliciting sexual favours from patients in exchange for prescriptions.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, an internist with practices in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, allegedly wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for powerful opioids—including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine—between January 2019 and February 2025, often with no legitimate medical reason. According to federal prosecutors, Kalra was the top prescriber of oxycodone and promethazine with codeine in New Jersey during the period under investigation.
Authorities said Kalra routinely provided opioids to vulnerable patients in exchange for sexual acts, including oral and anal sex. A number of female patients reportedly told investigators that Kalra made prescriptions contingent upon performing sexual favours, sometimes while they were impaired. In one instance, a woman said Kalra handed her a prescription after she complied with his sexual demands in a locked examination room.
In addition to the drug distribution charges, Kalra is also accused of orchestrating a large-scale healthcare fraud scheme. Investigators allege he submitted false claims to New Jersey’s Medicaid program for appointments that never took place, often using copied and pasted patient notes with fabricated vital signs. Some of these claims were submitted for patients who were incarcerated at the time.
Kalra was arrested and produced before a federal court in Newark on July 18, where he was charged with five counts—three for illegal distribution of controlled substances and two for healthcare fraud. He was released under home incarceration on a $100,000 unsecured bond, and is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications.
“This physician allegedly used his medical license not to heal, but to exploit vulnerable people suffering from addiction, to gratify himself, and to enrich himself through fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “This case is a stark reminder of how trusted positions can be grossly misused.”
If convicted, Kalra faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count related to drug distribution, and up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine for each healthcare fraud charge.
The arrest is part of a larger federal initiative to crack down on healthcare fraud and opioid abuse. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 324 individuals across the country—including nearly 100 licensed medical professionals—for schemes causing over $14.6 billion in intended losses.
The FBI, DEA, Department of Health and Human Services, and state authorities are continuing their investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information or who may be a victim to contact feoderal law enforcement.
Dr. Kalra’s medical license has been suspended and his clinics are now closed.
