A New Jersey physician, Ritesh Kalra, 52, from Secaucus City, faces a 58-count federal indictment for allegedly operating an opioid “pill mill,” exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors, and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program. Kalra, an internist, appeared in Newark federal court for arraignment following the indictment.
Federal investigators claim that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra prescribed high-dose opioids without a valid medical purpose, issuing over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions during this period. Allegations suggest that Kalra ran a pill mill from his office, where he prescribed opioids outside accepted medical practices.
In addition to the drug distribution accusations, Kalra is charged with defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid program by billing for fictitious office visits. The charges against him include maintaining a drug-involved premises and health care fraud, with each count carrying significant penalties upon conviction.
FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy expressed concerns over the alleged actions, stating that Kalra, by abusing his authority, exploited patients for financial gain, including demanding sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions.
