Texas pediatric oncologist faces child porn charges
HOUSTON - A Houston pediatric oncologist has been arrested on child porn charges, reports CBS affiliate KHOU.
Dr. Dennis Hughes of the MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital was arrested at his Pearland, Texas, home on June 5, and charged with possession of child pornography. Hughes admitted to investigators that he downloaded and viewed child porn, according to court documents.
One thumb drive contained about 8,200 files, "the majority of which appeared to be child pornography," the documents said.
Hughes has been placed on paid administrative leave. He is not allowed to access patient records or visit the MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, where he works.
MD Anderson's Physician in Chief Dr. Thomas Buchholz said the news was stunning.
"It's a devastating piece of news to share with our patients and their families," Bucholz told the station. The hospital sent a notice to patients and their families Tuesday.
"MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital faculty and staff are actively cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation. We also are conducting our own internal reviews," the hospital said.
Management said Hughes' 11-year record with the hospital is clean and contains no disciplinary action. They also said IT reviews of Hughes' work computer activity showed no signs of criminal activity at this point.
"We know this will be hard on the families," said Cindy Schwartz, professor of Pediatrics and our Ad Interim Division Head for Pediatrics. "We will have people to try to help the children and families through what this means in a change of relationship."
Hughes' attorney Neal Davis said the doctor will plead not guilty.
"He is charged federally with one count of receiving and possessing child pornography, NOT with making or distributing it," Davis said in a statement. "There is no allegation he had any improper contact with his patients or any other minors. He never has had any such improper contact."