ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – There’s more controversy brewing at the State Capitol and this time, it’s over a Minnesota House staffer being paid while he’s on leave.

That’s because he’s been charged for possessing child pornography. House GOP leaders put former Committee Administrator Rory Koch on paid leave during the investigation, which started back in March.

Since then, Koch has been paid nearly $15,000. Koch has pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of possessing child pornography.

The pay is drawing scrutiny after the same Republican leaders urged Democratic Representative Kerry Gauthier to resign after being involved in a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old boy at a rest stop. Gauthier wasn’t charged because the boy was of legal age of consent.

If convicted, Koch faces up to 60 years in prison.