One of two men charged last week with possessing child pornography has been an educational assistant at the Teslin School for several years.

John Cafferata, a 54-year-old Teslin resident, remains in custody following his arrest last Tuesday morning. He was scheduled to have a bail hearing early this afternoon.

Also charged the same day was 60-year-old Brian George Nowazek of Lobird Road in Whitehorse. Nowazek also remains in custody pending a bail hearing next week.

Clea Roberts, the spokeswoman for the Department of Education, said Friday she could not comment on specific personnel matters.

It's not known whether Cafferata was suspended, and if so, with or without pay.

Generally, she explained, when government employees are charged with criminal offences that could have an effect on the employment, the government can take disciplinary measures right up to and including termination.

Cafferata is charged with possessing photographs of naked girls, possessing approximately 17,000 digital images on his personal computer and possessing written material describing violent sexual assaults on children.

Nowazek is charged with possessing digital images and videos of children engaged in sexual acts.

In addition to the charge of possessing child pornography, Nowazek was charged with 19 counts of criminal offences related to the illegal possession and storage of firearms. Among the weapons seized were two sub-machine guns, which are prohibited weapons in Canada.