A man is charged with one count of first-degree rape in Jefferson County after allegations surfaced that date back to 2003.

Jefferson County Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Bruzzese said Bruce Teater Sr. could face more than the single count of rape he's currently charged with after the case is presented to the next grand jury.

Teater is accused of hurting a girl over the course of at least six years.

"The victim's father had reported this to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department," said Bruzzese. "Susan Bell from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department took the lead of the investigation and her investigation really brought to light the depth and ongoing nature of these rapes."

Authorities said the now 15-year-old girl told her parents about the abuse in December 2012. It's suspected by investigators that the rapes took place in Teater's home when the girl was as young as 5 or 6, and continued until a few years ago.

"It's difficult to tell exactly how many times given the young age of the victim," said Bruzzese. "The defendant has been interviewed by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. I can't get into any details about that."

Jefferson County District 3 Judge David Scarpone ruled during a preliminary hearing Wednesday that there was sufficient cause to bind Teater's case over to the next grand jury.

Defense attorney Steve Stickles requested that Scarpone consider a reduction of Teater's bond. The bond was initially set at $750,000 during Teater's arraignment. Scarpone said it would stay at $750,000 while he considered the bond request.