NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey doctor was charged with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions, and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for visits that never happened, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, New Jersey, was charged in a 5-count Complaint with 3 counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, not for a legitimate medical purpose, and in exchange for sexual favors, and 2 counts of healthcare fraud. Kalra made his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa 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.

“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.”

– U.S. Attorney Alina Habba Read More from Source