Fair Lawn Doctor’s License Suspended Amid Federal Charges of Opioid Distribution and Sexual Misconduct

Ritesh Kalra agreed to stop practicing medicine as he faces allegations of running a pill mill and exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors.

FAIR LAWN, N.J. — The State Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended the medical license of Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a Bergen County internist, following federal charges that he illegally distributed opioids and engaged in sexual misconduct with patients.

The suspension, announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs on August 6, 2025, comes in response to a five-count federal complaint charging Kalra with three counts of illegal opioid distribution and two counts of healthcare fraud.

In a consent order filed with the Board, Kalra agreed to the temporary suspension of both his medical license and his New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) Registration, which permits him to prescribe medications. These actions will remain in effect pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and any further action by the Board.

“These are alarming allegations that represent the worst kind of abuse of the trust placed in a member of the medical profession,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Public safety demands that this physician have no professional contact with the public while the criminal case against him moves forward. We encourage anyone who has been treated inappropriately by Dr. Kalra to file a complaint with the Board of Medical Examiners.”

Opioid Abuse and Misconduct

According to documents filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Kalra allegedly ran a pill mill out of his Fair Lawn medical office. Between January 2019 and February 2025, he issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, frequently prescribing 50 or more high-dose prescriptions per day. He also routinely dispensed promethazine with codeine, a medication known for its abuse potential.

Authorities claim that Kalra prescribed opioids to patients he knew or should have known were misusing or diverting the drugs, and that in one case, he continued issuing prescriptions to a patient who was incarcerated and not seen in person.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations

In addition to the drug charges, Kalra is accused of soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. According to statements made by federal authorities, multiple former employees of Kalra’s practice reported that female patients had complained about his conduct, alleging that he demanded oral sex and other sexual acts in return for opioids.

One patient reported being sexually assaulted multiple times by Kalra during clinical visits. These allegations have been cited by federal prosecutors as part of a broader pattern of abuse and professional misconduct.

Medicaid Fraud Charges

Kalra is also facing charges of defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid program by billing for patient visits that never occurred. The allegations suggest that he used fraudulent billing practices to secure public funds while simultaneously distributing controlled substances without legitimate medical justification.

“When a doctor is charged with a criminal offense, especially in connection with his treatment of patients, his professional judgment and ability to practice medicine are called into question,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By obtaining the temporary suspension of Dr. Kalra’s license pending the outcome of these charges, the Board has upheld its duty to protect patients and enforce the standards of the medical profession.”

Legal Proceedings and Practice Closure

Kalra appeared in Newark federal court on July 17, 2025, where he was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond under home incarceration. As a condition of his release, he was ordered to close his medical practice by July 31, 2025, and is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications while the criminal case is pending.

State Representation

The State of New Jersey is represented in the matter by Deputy Attorney General Lydwin Nonez, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner, both of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further action by the State Board of Medical Examiners is expected following the resolution of the federal charges.