Secaucus Doctor Indicted on 58 Federal Counts for Opioid Distribution and Health Care Fraud

A federal grand jury indicted a Secaucus physician on 58 counts related to opioid distribution, health care fraud, and maintaining a drug-involved premises, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced Thursday in Newark.

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 52, was previously charged by complaint in July 2025. The new indictment includes 36 counts of unlawfully distributing opioids, 21 counts of health care fraud, and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. Kalra appeared for arraignment Thursday before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court.

According to court documents, Kalra operated a medical office in Fair Lawn where he allegedly issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances between January 2019 and February 2025. Prosecutors allege Kalra prescribed opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, including on days when he wrote over 50 prescriptions.

The indictment also alleges Kalra sexually abused female patients in exchange for prescriptions, and in one case, continued prescribing to an incarcerated patient with whom he had no contact. Former employees reported that patients accused Kalra of sexual assault and coercion, including forced sexual acts during medical visits.

Kalra is also accused of billing New Jersey Medicaid for in-person visits that never occurred. Prosecutors allege he submitted falsified medical records, including duplicate progress notes and fabricated service dates.

“These charges demonstrate that our Office will continue to pursue justice for victims of the opioid epidemic by prosecuting doctors who, as alleged, use their positions of trust to fuel addiction and exploit vulnerable patients,” Lamparello stated.

FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy added, “This indictment serves as a warning to others that a prescription pad is not a license to destroy lives.”

Each opioid distribution count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The health care fraud charges are punishable by up to 10 years each, and the drug premises charge carries up to 20 years.