By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey physician is facing expanded federal charges accusing him of illegally prescribing opioids and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice in Newark.
Federal prosecutors announced that Ritesh Kalra, 52, of Secaucus, has been named in a 58-count indictment alleging he distributed opioids outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, operated a drug-involved medical office, and submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims for patient visits that never occurred.
Kalra had previously been charged by criminal complaint in July 2025.
According to court documents, Kalra, an internist who practiced in Fair Lawn, allegedly ran what investigators described as a pill mill, issuing tens of thousands of opioid prescriptions, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, between 2019 and early 2025.
Prosecutors say some prescriptions were written without any legitimate medical purpose, including for a patient who was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
Authorities also allege Kalra submitted false Medicaid billing records, including fabricated office visits and repetitive, incomplete medical notes.
Former employees reportedly told investigators that some female patients accused Kalra of sexual misconduct tied to prescription access—allegations detailed in filings reviewed by the court.
Kalra appeared in Newark federal court before Michael E. Farbiarz for his arraignment. The case was investigated by the FBI Newark and remains ongoing.
If convicted, each of the 36 opioid distribution counts carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million.