By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey physician is facing serious federal charges after allegedly running a prescription drug operation that involved trading opioids for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for services that never occurred.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, was charged with three counts of unlawfully distributing opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud. 
He appeared in Newark federal court and was released on home confinement under a $100,000 bond.
Kalra is currently barred from practicing medicine and must shut down his Fair Lawn-based medical office while the case is pending.
Federal authorities allege Kalra issued more than 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions between 2019 and 2025, with no legitimate medical justification.
He reportedly prescribed powerful opioids—including promethazine with codeine—often in high volumes and to vulnerable patients battling addiction.
Investigators say several women accused Kalra of demanding sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions, including reports of sexual assault during clinical visits.
One patient allegedly continued receiving prescriptions from Kalra even while incarcerated, despite no contact with the doctor.
The charges also include fraudulent billing practices. Kalra is accused of submitting false claims to New Jersey Medicaid for in-person appointments and counseling sessions that never took place.
His medical records reportedly included duplicate and fabricated progress notes that lacked proper documentation.
If convicted, Kalra faces up to 20 years in prison for each drug distribution charge and up to 10 years for each healthcare fraud count, along with significant financial penalties.
Federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General are continuing the investigation.
Authorities have asked anyone with information or who may have been treated by Kalra to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.