In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . In 1940, the Cadets won the American Legion Junior National Championship in Boston, the first of a record nine Legion titles the corps would win between 1940 and 1964. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Four months after the director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, George Hopkins, resigned amid a sexual misconduct scandal, the spotlight has now turned on another, smaller corps Pioneer of Milwaukee. There was upset from some people, as you can see, and others saw the progression as an effort to maintain the Cadets as an organization steeped in tradition but also very, very progressive when it came to new ideas, new concepts, and fresh presentations. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Thats if they make it onto the corps which is decided over several monthly training camps, between which corps hopefuls have to complete video assignments and track their diet and exercise. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. The woman addressed Anthony in court, telling him of years of fear, shame, and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. says every person associated with its drum corps programs must sign a code of conduct, , There's another twist in the ongoing investigation over sexual assault allegations targeting, Documents obtained by 69 News appear to show former Youth Education in the Arts CEO and Alle, The investigation into sexual misconduct allegations at the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle , The organization that oversees Allentown's famed Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment, he sued the organization for more than $580,000. Two more women say they were raped by George Hopkins, bringing to 11 the number who have accused the former drum and bugle corps director of sexual misconduct. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. George Hopkins, former director of Allentown's elite Cadets drum and bugle corps, pleaded no contest to indecent assault after an Inquirer investigation revealed years of misconduct. It said it was reaching out to Youth Education in the Arts, and also planned an internal review to see whether any current members of the DCI staff knew about the allegations and failed to report them. I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. In the criminal case, prosecutors alleged Hopkins, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, sexually assaulted a former employee at his Allentown apartment, after they met at a bar to discuss drum corps rules. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny On November 13, Hopkins was indicted in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania for sexual assault, based on accusations of two women who are former employees of YEA. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. and only for this show no black uniform. George Hopkins, who led The Cadets to renown and a slew of national and world championships, stepped down from the Allentown-based group after Philly.com reported Thursday that nine women had. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. You have permission to edit this article. It comes from the higher-ups, it comes from the admin, it comes from the board of directors, it comes from the staff, the caption staff, the people that are in charge of putting on the show. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. You have permission to edit this article. You have permission to edit this article. Instead, Beyer is very much in the public eye, and the defense is asking to see the entire video interview, not a reporters notes, he said. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. Edwin Garrity of the Holy Name Catholic parish in Garfield, New Jersey founded the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 1934 as an activity for the boys in the parish. I was just going to say, check his will! and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. But no one is irreplaceable. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. George Hopkins, the former CEO of the Allentown-based Youth Education in the Arts, faces three felony counts of sexual assault for allegedly assaulting two former employees. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Twelve women have told the Inquirer they were sexually harassed or abused by Hopkins over the nearly four decades he served as director of Allentown's famed Cadets, years during which he achieved rock-star-like status in the activity. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Not someone who wants to be an assistant. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. CEO while denying the allegations. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? After a great experience his first year, Calhoun said he was looking forward to coming back in 2017, even as some changes in his personal life took a toll on his mental health. Please subscribe to keep reading. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. Charges were filed against Hopkins in November 2018, months after Youth Education in the Arts launched an investigation after about a dozen women accused Hopkins of sexual misconduct. He's due back in court in February. In 2003, Yea! Drum Corps International, the sanctioning body for competition youth drum corps events, said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned" by the allegations against Hopkins. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. [16] Hopkins and YEA! Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Hopkins' accusers ranged from 16 to 37 at the time of the abuse and harassment they say they endured, including three who were members of The Cadets and five who worked for Youth Education in the Arts, the parent organization that Hopkins also led as chief executive officer until his resignation. "And he did it anyway. George Hopkins, the former director of the renowned Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps, appeared in a Lehigh County courtroom Tuesday morning and gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on . She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. As one of the only returning baritones, he was offered the section head spot by Jackson but turned it down I thought I didnt deserve it.. This is our director.". Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The longtime leader of a champion Pennsylvania-based drum and bugle corps has resigned in the wake of a newspaper report that contained allegations of sexual misconduct spanning nearly four decades. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls, California residents do not sell my data request. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. that title. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. "I never said yes. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) It comes from a lot of different places.. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. This time, people considered dramatic steps to change the face of the Cadets and for all time, to shift the trajectory of the most honored drum and bugle corps in history. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. And those folks do it without flinching. Morning call file photo/Special to The Morning Call, Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him disgusting, Trump supporters who drove Hummer with guns and ammo to Philadelphia vote-counting site spared more jail time, Paul Muschick: Would money motivate Pennsylvania businesses to move to a four-day work week? A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. 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Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Success! Never marched in high school band. The Cadets have won these caption awards:[25], John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award, George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award, Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award. The. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. George Hopkins. Shortly after, more victims came forward, and the accounts of two of these women became the basis of the criminal charges brought in November 2018. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. The 36-year-old woman addressed Anthony and spoke about years of fear, shame and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. George Hopkins, former director of Allentown's elite Cadets drum and bugle corps, pleaded no contest to indecent assault after an Inquirer investigation revealed years of misconduct. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. You need complete concentration on everything you do because if you dont, you could get someone else hurt or you can hurt yourself, Calhoun said. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. She said Hopkins' denials on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 he complained he had been smeared were a constant source of anxiety. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. YEA! to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns after sexual misconduct allegations April 6, 2018, 7:20 AM The decorated director of The Cadets drum and bugle corps. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! The City of Erie welcomed The Cadets with open arms, offering access to local business relationships, services, volunteers, and new opportunities for funding and partnerships. Fine time to ask me now. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said, READ MORE: Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. ALLENTOWN, Pa. | The defense attorney for the former drum corps director accused of sexual assault is demanding that a newspaper turn over its unedited video interview of his clients accuser in order to prepare a proper defense. I think from here on out, theres a new level and a new sense of accountability that we as alumni of the Corps are unified in making sure that these experiences dont happen again, said former Troopers color guard member Vanessa Connell. George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets and CEO of Youth Education in the Arts who separated from the organization after being accused of sexually harassing nine women, is suing YEA for more than $580,000 in severance pay. He began as Director in 1983 In her 2018 account to The Inquirer, that woman, Jessica Beyer, said she had marched with the Cadets and was hired to work for the group the following year at age 22. Executive Director, Youth Education in the Arts Director, nine-time DCI World Championship Cadets D&B Corps Social Studies Teacher: Aston Township HS (PA) 1979-80 Band Director: Northern Highlands High School (NJ), 1984 These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. [10] The organization also hired a Chicago labor and employment law firm, Franczek Radelet, to investigate the accusations against Hopkins as well as YEA!s policies and procedures for providing a safe environment for youth members, employees, and volunteers. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. ; Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00, United States Scholastic Band Association, "corpsreps.com The Drum Corps Repertoire Database", "Determination: Believing in the Midwest Combine", "Bang the Drum Slowly: A Championship Drum and Bugle Corps Leaves the State", "The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps: A history of alleged sexual abuse", "Statement from the Board of Directors of Youth Education in the Arts", "YEA! How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? The Troopers and other corps under the Drum Corps International umbrella are now left to reckon with the allegations brought against them on a deeper level, beyond personnel. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold The members and staff, however, were not willing to cease the corps operations, and reorganized as a new organization, even though the parish kept the uniforms and instruments. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. "This is a painful moment for all those who care about The Cadets," Youth Education in the Arts, the nonprofit that runs The Cadets, said in a statement on its website. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. All Rights Reserved. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. The judge opined that this situation is very different than, say, a defendants statement to police, a full copy of which would be made available to the defense by the prosecution. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. II, III, & IV) by, The Pines of the Appian Way & The Pines of Villa Borghese by, Devotions: Kyrie Eleison, Simple Song, De Profundis, Agnus Dei, Things Get Broken, Pax: Communion, and Offeratory (all from Mass by Leonard Bernstein) with incidental music by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst & Omar Carmenates, O Holy Name (Traditional) / Opening Scene by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst, and Omar Carmenates / Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel / Sensemaya by, Adrenaline City by Adam Gorb / St. Louis Blues by, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990 (tie), 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1983, 1984 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1990 (tie), 1993, 1998, 1983, 1984 (3-way tie), 1985 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1995 (3-way tie), This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. By Staff. In 1969, the corps became coed. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. Wyoming teachers are leaving. Youth Education in. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. . Fifteen years before nine women stepped forward to accuse drum corps leader George Hopkins of sexual abuse, a long-time critic says he warned the director of the activity's governing body of questionable behavior by Hopkins, but was dismissed. In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center, resulting in a decision to move The Cadets and all operations of CAE to Erie, Pa. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned. There was a problem saving your notification. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. The corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. George Hopkins, who led The Cadets to renown and a slew of national and world championships, stepped down from the Allentown-based group after Philly.com reported Thursday that nine women had accused him of sexual harassment or abuse. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. For more than 30 years, George Hopkins has been a major proponent of changes in instrumentation, education and contest guidelines, such as initiating the use of band instruments, electronics, removal of sidelines and other alternatives. Free Access to this video! The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. After the summer of 2020, the first summer in years without a Troopers tour, Ian Calhoun said he started to hear from friends hed made at the corps who were interested in reporting some of their experiences to the advocacy group MAASIN (Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network).
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