Canonsburg mother, son waive hearing in Washington High School assault

A Canonsburg woman and her 22-year-old son waived hearings on charges filed against them by Washington police for their alleged roles in a fight at Washington High School reportedly involving the woman’s 13-year-old daughter.
Jonice Cushenberry, 39, and her son, Ocean Bey, also of Canonsburg, had been scheduled for preliminary hearings Wednesday before District Judge Robert Redlinger in the April 25 incident. Both were charged five days later with conspiracy, defiant trespass and disorderly conduct. Cushenberry also is charged with endangering the welfare of children.
Cushenberry allegedly drove her daughter, who is a student in Canon-McMillan School District, onto the grounds of Wash High. Police said the alleged victim was leaving the school when she was confronted and shoved by Cushenberry’s daughter.
The two girls reportedly were rolling around on the ground when the alleged victim’s grandmother drove up to the school. Cushenberry reportedly got out of her vehicle and stopped the grandmother from intervening in the fight. A teacher also reportedly tried to stop the altercation, but Bey stopped her from stepping in and told her not to touch his sister, police said.
The 13-year-old was reportedly on top of the alleged victim, repeatedly punching her, police said.
Officer Todd Foreman, who filed the charges against the pair, said no one was seriously injured in the incident. He also filed a juvenile allegation against the 13-year-old, charging her with defiant trespass, simple assault and disorderly conduct. He said that case is pending.
Cushenberry and Bey are not allowed on Washington School District property, including the stadium, nor are they to have contact with the alleged victim. Cushenberry also must attend parenting classes, said Rachel Wheeler, assistant district attorney.
Both are free on $5,000 unsecured bonds. They face an Aug. 14 fast-track hearing before Judge Valarie Costanzo. The pair are expected to be placed in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program at that time.