Secaucus Doctor Indicted for Alleged Opioid Distribution, Sexual Misconduct, and Medicaid Fraud

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 52, faces 58 federal charges, including illegal prescribing and billing for phantom visits at Fair Lawn clinic

A Secaucus physician was indicted on 58 federal counts, including opioid distribution, sexual exploitation of patients, and healthcare fraud, federal prosecutors announced January 12. The indictment expands on charges first filed in July 2025 against Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 52, an internist who operated a private medical practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

Kalra was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court, following a federal grand jury indictment alleging widespread criminal activity over a six-year period. The indictment includes 36 counts of illegally distributing controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud.

“Doctors know the devastation opioid addiction can wreak when left unchecked. Allegedly, Dr. Kalra used his position of power for financial gain, fabricating fake appointments, and in some cases, demanding sexual favors in return for prescriptions," stated FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalra allegedly operated a “pill mill,” routinely prescribing large volumes of opioids—including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine—without legitimate medical justification. Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with records showing he sometimes wrote over 50 prescriptions in a single day.

Federal investigators allege that Kalra also engaged in sexual misconduct, demanding sexual favors from patients in exchange for controlled substances. Multiple former employees reported that female patients had complained of unwanted sexual contact. One woman reported that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted during clinic visits, including incidents of forced anal sex. Another patient allegedly continued to receive prescriptions while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no contact with Kalra at the time.

In addition to the alleged illegal prescribing and misconduct, Kalra is charged with defrauding New Jersey Medicaid. Prosecutors say he billed for in-person appointments that never occurred, submitting fabricated progress notes with falsified service dates. Medical records submitted as part of the investigation reportedly showed examination notes that were identical across multiple visits and lacked basic vital signs.

Each of the 36 drug distribution charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a potential penalty of 20 years and a $500,000 fine. The 21 healthcare fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine—or twice the value of the financial loss or gain, whichever is greater.

Federal authorities are urging individuals who believe they may have been victims of Dr. Kalra, or who have relevant information, to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or by email at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark. The investigation is the result of a coordinated effort among several agencies, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Social Security Administration OIG, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, and the Fair Lawn Police Department.

All charges in the indictment are allegations, and Dr. Kalra is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.