HAY RIVER - A former Hay River resident is facing charges of possession of child pornography and sexual assaults involving children in the community.

John Murray Melanson, 43, also known by the nickname "Fester," was arrested in the Toronto area on Feb. 22 on a warrant out of Hay River, as well as charges from other provinces.

As of Friday, he was being held in custody in Toronto. Const. Brad Parker, an investigator on the case with the Hay River RCMP, said the alleged sexual assaults involved two young male children, although he declined to provide ages.

"There are no indications of any other victims at this point," Parker said.

Melanson is facing three charges in Hay River - one count of possession of child pornography and two counts of sexual assault. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.

Melanson, who is believed to originally be from Eastern Canada, lived in Hay River from about July of last year to early January.

"The investigation started as a request to locate him because he didn't show up for work one day," Parker explained, noting the accused was employed as a cook at a restaurant before suddenly leaving town.

During the investigation, the RCMP discovered Melanson was wanted in other provinces on warrants not related to sex offences.

And in talking to Hay River people, the alleged assaults came to light.

It is unclear what steps will occur next in the case, such as when Melanson will be returned to Hay River.

"Everything is pending at this point," Parker said.

The constable noted the RCMP is being careful about what information it releases. "We're trying to handle it with sensitivity for the community and the parties involved."