New Jersey Doctor Charged with Multiple Medical Frauds, Soliciting Sex for Opioid Prescriptions

Strategic Insights -

Ritesh Kalra, an Indian-origin New Jersey doctor, has been charged with multiple medical frauds, including the distribution of opioids without any legitimate medical purpose. According to DOJ documents, Kalra allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, prescribing high-dose opioids to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. He also solicited sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Kalra is now on home arrest and prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been charged with multiple medical frauds, including the distribution of opioids without a legitimate medical purpose.
  • Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions.
  • Several of Kalra's former employees claimed that female patients complained of being touched sexually and demanded sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions.
  • Kalra allegedly billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred, using fabricated dates of service and identical examination notes.
  • US Attorney Alina Habba stated that Kalra used his position as a physician to fuel addiction among his patients, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey's public healthcare program.
  • Kalra's medical practice will be shut down while the case is pending, and he will not be allowed to practice medicine or prescribe medication.

Statistics:

  • 31,000+: Number of oxycodone prescriptions issued by Dr. Kalra between January 2019 and February 2025.
  • 50+: Number of oxycodone prescriptions written by Dr. Kalra on some days.
  • 2019-2025: Time period during which Dr. Kalra allegedly committed medical fraud.
  • 1+: Estimated number of patients who reported being solicited for sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions.

Sources:

  • DOJ documents
  • Statement from US Attorney Alina Habba
  • Times of India (timescontent.com)