Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. In 2022, The Cadets entered into a partnership with the Erie Sports Center as the new spring training site for the corps' May-June rehearsals. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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. 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. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Man missing since 2021 was murdered, co-worker arrested: DA, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by a dozen women, pleaded no contest on Thursday to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years of probation. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. 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. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom had previously filed a motion asking that The Philadelphia Inquirer provide the full and unedited video interview with one of Hopkins accusers that it had produced and published online. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. In 2003, Yea! [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. It comes from a lot of different places.. ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Former Allentown Cadets director issues statement claiming innocence, Charges filed against former Allentown Cadets director, Investigation into YEA sexual misconduct allegations complete, Report clears former YEA interim CEO of wrongdoing, YEA! Prosecutor Matthew Falk, the offices chef deputy district attorney, said Beyer, the woman in the allegation dating to 2008, decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that. The victim in the 2010 assault has asked not to be named. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. 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. Never thought for once you were a liar!! Steven Chirichella Richie has his gold uniform on him in his eternity as he lies in the heavens dont turn him blackplease oh Holy Name. GEORGE HOPKINS 1983 - present George Hopkins, better known as "Hop" to his friends and marching Cadets, is the current Director of our corps, as well as the longest serving (25 years and still going strong). Shes four years removed from the corps now, and married. ; 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! CEO while denying the allegations. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. in May, stating it had lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public in the 2018 Inquirer account. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight. With no 2020 drum corps season, Cadets Arts & Entertainment focused its attention on establishing clear policies, strict safeguards and strategic committees that meet regularly to help guide The Cadets forward. 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. 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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Crews contend with tons of snow as they work to reopen I-80, Powell sisters die in crash with semi-truck, Long shifts, odd calls, brutal weather: inside the Wyoming Highway Patrol staffing shortage, Ex-Casper doctor imprisoned for sexually assaulting patients released years early, Lovell steps up after local sportswriter dies from car crash injuries. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. 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. Success! 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. 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. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. Newspapers publish newsworthy items all the time, and they cant be dragged into court every single time a defense attorney wants to know what other information is out there, Berry said. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. I expect my final paycheck on October 18 which should include the agreed upon amount for moving expenses that has not been paid since starting in February 2017. 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. The judge did question how the defense would know if the witness impeached her own testimony on the stand, if it didnt know ahead of time what she may have said in an earlier interview. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. 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. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. 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. for more than $650,000 in severance and back pay, the organization filed a counter-suit against the former director for $1.5 million in losses which it alleges to have lost due to the sexual misconduct scandal. By Staff. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Success! Hopkins, George. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. There was a problem saving your notification. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by numerous women in a 2018 Philadelphia Inquirer article, and was criminally charged in connection with two alleged incidents later that year. The dozen women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. 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. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In addition, YEA! In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Beyer, who said Hopkins assaulted her after she went to work for the corps, watched his plea and sentencing Thursday, but did not speak in court. At 192 beats per minute.. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Hopkins was also charged with sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown; that charge was dropped as part of an agreement that led to Thursdays plea. People are using more water. Please subscribe to keep reading. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. Free Access to this video! "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, Outlast Forces Lone Wolf Contestants to Embrace Team Dynamics for Netflix Competition, Diego Luna: Andor Ending With Season 2 Is Really Important for My Mental Health. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. National Park Service encourages folks to never push a slower friend down in bear encounters, Jillian Balow, former Wyoming schools superintendent, resigns from new job in Virginia, Pressure on House speaker intensifies as Hageman, national voices weigh in, Wyoming's Jeff Linder coaching his heart out for his dad, seniors Hunter Maldonado and Hunter Thompson, Officials investigating death in Converse County, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Wyoming man admits to double murder, avoids possible death penalty, 2023 Wyoming State High School Boys Wrestling Championships results, Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help, Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps director resigns after allegations of unsafe culture, poor conditions, New Lutheran college in Casper announces academic dean. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. In response to a question from Anthony, Berry said the paper would hand over the full video recording for the judges review only, if that was the courts ruling. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 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. 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. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 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. Many of the women who spoke to Philly.com said they felt empowered to come forward by the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct that has toppled powerful men in news and entertainment. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. 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. But this isnt the military. also sponsored the recently inactive 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion, and Cadets Winter Guard; USBands (formerly United States Scholastic Band Association); the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley, which included the Xcape Dance Studio.[18]. In 1969, the corps became coed. Rescue operations underway as Wyoming blizzard continues to wreak havoc, Applications open for nonprofit 1-cent funding, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Gordon discusses importance of focusing on Wyoming solutions, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. Its credits include the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, President Barack Obama's first inaugural parade, a reality TV show and "Late Night with David Letterman.". The women are among roughly a dozen connected to the Cadets organization who say they were sexually assaulted by Hopkins dating back to the 1980s. Hopkins, the longtime director of the famed drum corps, resigned in April after nine women whose stories spanned four decades told the Inquirer and Daily News he had sexually harassed or abused them. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. I just felt like, Well, youre right. 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. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! You have permission to edit this article. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Wanneer u onze sites en apps gebruikt, gebruiken we, gebruikers authenticeren, veiligheidsmaatregelen toepassen en spam en misbruik voorkomen, en, gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content weergeven op basis van interesseprofielen, de effectiviteit meten van gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content, en, onze producten en services ontwikkelen en verbeteren. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. 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. 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? Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! Never marched in high school band. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. We could soon find out, A windy, cloudy Saturday for the Lehigh Valley, but the sun will come out tomorrow, Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed. 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. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. In written remarks later directed at Hopkins, she said she had joined the Cadets bright-eyed, eager, and innocently believing that through hard work and integrity most things were possible., Instead, she said, working for the Cadets meant being subjected to verbal and sexual abuse. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! "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. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. In his federal lawsuit seeking severance pay and other monies, Hopkins asserts that he resigned from the organization by letter on April 5, and that his departure was "mutually agreed"-upon. At one point, a staff member called members of his section worthless to their faces, because they couldnt march without passing out from untended injuries. I was just going to say, check his will! How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? 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. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! CEO while denying the allegations. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. Cadets are in troubleGH loves it that way.He wants there to be no Cadets if something happens to him.Cadets are in trouble for the FUTURE!!! For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. On April 5, 2018, allegations were made in published reports that the longstanding corps director, George Hopkins, sexually harassed or abused multiple members of the corps and staff over a period of years. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. [2][3][4], In 1972, the Garfield Cadets, along with the nine other corps from the Alliance and the Midwest Combine, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International, which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by nearly a dozen women, pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation in Lehigh County Court on Thursday. The. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. YEA! "There were some tears. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . 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. Youth Education in. A statement issued late Thursday night by the YEA board of directors, the organization that operates The Cadets, an elite drum and bugle corps, said CEO George Hopkins denies the allegations but .
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