A New Jersey physician has been hit with a sweeping 58-count federal indictment accusing him of operating an opioid “pill mill,” sexually exploiting patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program over several years, US prosecutors said.

Ritesh Kalra, 52, of Secaucus, New Jersey, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that include unlawful distribution of controlled substances, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and multiple counts of health care fraud. Kalra, an internist, appeared this week in Newark federal court for arraignment and an initial appearance.

Kalra was previously charged by criminal complaint in July 2025, but prosecutors said the grand jury indictment adds numerous additional counts based on expanded evidence gathered during the investigation.

According to court documents, federal authorities allege that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra routinely prescribed high-dose opioid medications without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional medical practice.

Prosecutors said Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone during that period, including days on which he allegedly wrote more than 50 opioid prescriptions. Investigators claim many of the prescriptions were medically unnecessary and contributed to opioid dependency among patients.

The indictment further alleges that Kalra operated a pill mill out of his medical office, regularly prescribing oxycodone and promethazine with codeine to patients without proper examinations or documentation.

Several former employees told investigators that female patients complained Kalra engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct during medical visits. Prosecutors allege that Kalra touched patients sexually and, in some cases, demanded sexual favors in exchange for opioid prescriptions.

One patient reported being sexually assaulted on multiple occasions, including allegations of forced anal sex during clinical appointments, according to statements cited in court filings. Another patient allegedly continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra while incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no contact with him during that time.

Federal authorities also accuse Kalra of defrauding the New Jersey Medicaid program by submitting claims for office visits that never occurred. Prosecutors said the fraudulent billing allowed Kalra to collect payments for fabricated appointments tied to opioid prescriptions.

“Doctors know the devastation opioid addiction can wreak when left unchecked,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “Allegedly, Dr. Kalra abused his position of trust for financial gain, fabricated medical visits, and in some cases demanded sexual favors in return for prescriptions.”

The indictment outlines severe potential penalties. Each of the 36 counts of unlawful opioid distribution carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

In addition, each of the 21 health care fraud counts is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. Sentencing, if Kalra is convicted, would be determined by a federal judge.

Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Kalra is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.