Feds: NJ Doctor Charged With Running Pill Mill in Exchange For Sexual Favors

A doctor in the Garden State has been charged for allegedly running a pill mill in exchange for sexual favors while defrauding New Jersey Medicaid.

Charges Filed Against Dr. Ritesh Kalra

51-year-old Ritesh Kalra of Secaucus is facing three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, not for a legitimate medical purpose, and in exchange for sexual favors, and two counts of healthcare fraud.

Pill Mill Allegedly Operated in Fair Lawn

Federal authorities say Kalra, an internist in Fair Lawn, allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, "where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids—including oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine to patients without a legitimate medical purpose." Between January 2019 and February 2025, officials claim Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions.

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Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Coercion

Officials also say several of Kalra's former employees reported that female patients complained that he touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors of them, including oral sex, in order to obtain their prescriptions. One patient described being sexually assaulted by Kalra on multiple occasions, including forced anal sex during clinical appointments. Another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra when the patient was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with Dr. Kalra, per the Justice Department.

It's further alleged that Kalra also billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred, which included healthcare records that were falsified.

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U.S. Attorney Condemns Actions

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a press release,

Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare program. By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives. Our Office will continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification.

Each count of distributing controlled substances carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Each count of health care fraud is punishable by up to a decade behind bars and a $250,000 fine.

Kalra made an initial appearance Thursday in Newark federal court and was released on home incarceration and an unsecured $100,000 bond. He also is prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication and will be required to shut down his medical practice while the case is pending.

FBI Tip Line for Potential Victims

Federal officials say any other victims in this case can call (800) CALL-FBI.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.