MD Anderson pediatric cancer doctor accused of possessing child pornography

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A pediatric cancer doctor at MD Anderson is facing federal charges, accused of possession of child pornography.

According to charging documents obtained by ABC-13, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Pearland home of Dr. Dennis Hughes. The documents also state that Hughes confessed to downloading and viewing child pornography from the Internet.

One thumb drive alone allegedly contained more than 8,000 files, most of which investigators say appeared to be child porn.

Tap or click here to read the court documents.

MD Anderson held a press conference Tuesday night, at which they hospital officials say they had contacted close to 200 of Hughes' patients from the past two years. They hope to contact all patients from his 11 years at the hospital.

"It's a devastating piece of news to share with our patients and their families," an MD Anderson doctor said. "We know how stressful having cancer is, particularly in children."

Hospital officials also say they've performed IT security tests and believe there were no breaches at the hospital. They believe none of his patients were victims.

Hughes is on paid leave right now and his hospital credentials have been suspended.

"This is quite a shock to me," one MD Anderson doctor said.

He's also in jail and due to face a judge Wednesday morning.

Late Tuesday, Hughes' attorney issued the following statement:

MD Anderson sent a letter to parents of patients. It reads in part