JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio -- A man accused of beating a puppy to death during a robbery faced a judge in court Friday.

NEWS9 has uncovered Neil Rager, 22, of Rayland, is a convicted felon. Rager was charged with felonious assault in the past.

Because of the prior charge and a possible parole violation, a judge decided not to set bond at this time.

About three weeks ago, deputies said Norman Taylor discovered his beagle puppy lying near his doghouse beaten to death.

The Bloomington man told police someone broke into the garage of his home, stole a brand new ATV, then beat his puppy to death with a lead pipe.

Jefferson County deputies arrested Rager for the crimes and charged him with receiving stolen property, breaking and entering, and animal cruelty.

Prosecutor Tom Straus said if Rager is proven guilty, he will ask the judge that Rager serve serious time for the crimes.

The judge ordered Rager to face another judge Monday, because the three charges against him were filed at two different times.

Rager will be in a Wintersville court on Monday to be re-arraigned. Another judge will then determine if bond will be set for Rager.