Prosecutors will present evidence against Terry Lee Bowen, Lora J. Gay, and Kenneth J. Frederick II, all of Peabody, during preliminary hearings 10 a.m. Sept. 1. The defendants are accused of gang rape of a child June 23 or 24.

During preliminary hearings, prosecutors must show probable cause for trying the defendants for the crime in question, Marion County Attorney Susan Robson said Monday. Preliminary hearings are only for felony charges, and defendants can waive the hearing.

If prosecutors show probable cause, the court will schedule an arraignment, during which a defendant can plead guilty, innocent, or no-contest.

Each of the defendants is charged with two counts of rape and one count each of aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated kidnapping, and battery. Gay and Frederick each face an additional charge of making a criminal threat to commit violence with the intent of terrorizing.

Each defendant made a first appearance in court July 23.

Bond was set at $300,000 for Bowen, $250,000 for Frederick, and $200,000 for Gay. All remained in Marion County Jail in lieu of bond Monday.