A Harrison County judge held a pre-trial hearing for a man accused of possession of child pornography and rape involving seven children.

Harrison County Prosecutor Shawn Hervey said in common pleas court that he and the defense attorney of Chad Tyler, of Cadiz, could not reach a plea agreement, which would prevent the case from going to trial.

Tyler faces 46 felony charges, including child rape, possession of child pornography and a complicity charge based on allegations that he requested certain material to be taped and sent to him.

"His employer recovered some evidence at the workplace that led to an investigation," said Hervey.

Since Tyler's arrest last November, the Sheriff’s Office and Cadiz police found about seven children involved in the alleged abuse, with ages from younger than 5 years old to 16 years old. The prosecutor said there's no time period for how long it reportedly went on.

"We had computers, phones analyzed as well as just general investigation that led to the charges that we have," said Hervey.

Tyler's attorney asked the judge to consider reducing Tyler's bond or place him under house arrest, arguing that Tyler wouldn't be a threat to the community. However, the judge expressed concerns.

"At this point, we have no further charges. The investigation does remain open, and if anything is analyzed on any of the evidence that we seized that would provide more information for more victims, we would certainly prosecute," said Hervey, adding that anyone who knows information about an abused victim is asked to contact authorities.

A final pre-trial hearing is set for April 16 at 9:30 a.m. The judge said Tyler will stay behind bars unless he posts his bond.