HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston surgeon has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in a plea deal sending him to federal prison for up to 10 years.

Prosecutors say 73-year-old Dr. Bernard Albina pleaded guilty Tuesday in Houston. He was arrested in January and remains in custody.

Investigators say Albina since 2003 inappropriately associated with several young boys and took photos of some of the children. Prosecutors say search warrants carried out in July 2009 led to the recovery of dozens of items from Albina containing child pornography.

The plea agreement means Albina must also pay a $75,000 fine. Formal sentencing is set for March.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)