WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and

Exchange Commission said on Monday that it had settled charges

with Becton Dickinson and Co. ( BDX ) over allegations it misled

investors about risks associated with its Alaris infusion pump.

The SEC said Becton Dickinson ( BDX ) agreed to pay a $175 million

civil penalty to settle the charges, which also allege that the

company overstated its income by failing to disclose the costs

of software repairs associated with the pump.