By Aaron Burgin, The Porterville Recorder

A preliminary hearing for three former Porterville High School students accused of beating a ninth-grade boy after a school-sponsored activity in March was postponed until June 13.

Tulare County Superior Court Judge Juliet Boccone on Monday rescheduled the hearing that was scheduled for Wednesday morning because of an attorney change by one of the men. Juan Jaime “JJ” Rubio, 18, who was originally represented by the Public Defender’s Office, hired private attorney Wes Hamilton. The public defender was removed from the case at the Monday hearing. Rubio and twin brothers Chris and Ryan Pavone, both 19, are accused in the March 14 attack on Bryan Gerdes, 15, who suffered a broken nose and jaw when the three men allegedly jumped him after a school-sponsored dodgeball game.

All three men were standout athletes for PHS; Rubio and Ryan Pavone played for the football team, while both Pavones were all-Tulare County wrestlers, each winning an East Yosemite League crown in their respective weight classes. Chris Pavone was two victories away from placing at the state wrestling championships in March.

The men face felony counts of assault with a special allegation that it caused great bodily injury, and battery with serious bodily injury. If convicted, they each face a maximum seven-year prison sentence.

Gerdes, who participated in water polo and swimming prior to the alleged attack, recently returned to PHS after missing eight weeks while he recovered from his injuries.

Contact Aaron Burgin at 784-5000, Ext. 1047, or aburgin@portervillerecorder.com.