. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. You have permission to edit this article. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? George Hopkins, the former director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting two former employees, another striking turn in what had been an illustrious, four-decade-long career that took Hopkins to the top of the national youth activity. {{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. 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. 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. 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. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. YEA rejects ex-director's resignation, fires him amid allegations, New twists appear in relation to former Cadets Director George Hopkins, Investigation underway into YEA! But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. But even after he was let go, Connell said he was still allowed around corps members who knew what had happened and had reported him to the administration because he was the organizations connection to the housing site where they were staying. 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. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Marching as the Cadets of Garfield; wearing uniforms of white shorts, red golf shirts, and "Aussie" hats; and using instruments borrowed from the Chicago Cavaliers, the corps managed to finish in second place (one spot ahead of the defending champion Cavaliers). 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. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. The charges are second-degree felonies. This is art. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. For those of you who do not follow the drum corps news, George Hopkins recently resigned as the director of the Cadets because of sexual misconduct allegations from nine women. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. 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. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. CEO while denying the allegations. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. gant \er--gnt, a-r-\ : having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people : having or showing arrogance.thats GH. And I never said no. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. [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. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. 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. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. Success! Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. In 1969, the corps became coed. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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? To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. On July 4, 1986 the Cadets performed as a part of the Liberty Weekend celebrating both the hundredth anniversary and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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Former drum corps director awaiting trial in sex assault case sues for severance, Former drums corps director pleads no-contest to 2010 indecent assault, Closure of YEA is final chapter in series of struggles over the years, Fire broke out in a Lower Macungie apartment building, Champions of Magic's Alex McAleer gives an exciting look at the upcoming live show, Pet of the Month: Nina from Ruff Life Rescue, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor needs volunteers, Allentown Public Library celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday with children's activities, Kindness Project teams up with Flavor Nation to give away free tacos, History's Headlines: The Lehigh Valley's music man, Berks County Parks invites people to their Winter Wellness Walk, Royals host "kids takeover" game where kids get a taste of the sports business, Wilson School students raise $83k to fight childhood cancer, Berks County Intermediate Unit receives $3.18 million in grants for Head Start programs, 'First in the nation' bill to provide free screenings for breast cancer to receive full Pa. 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U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. 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. The Cadets Drum Corps -The Three Peat | by George Hopkins | Medium I get up because Ive done the work to make myself whole and understand the evil that was done to me was not because of me, but because of you.. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. 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. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . 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. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. But no one is irreplaceable. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. 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. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. 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. Hopkins, George | WDCHOF George Hopkins, who also ran the youth arts education nonprofit that operates the Cadets program, pleaded no contest to the charges in 2020 and is now serving two years of probation. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. 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. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. Critic: I warned drum corps executive about George Hopkins Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins This amount of the lawsuit included recovery for lost sponsorships and pledged donations to The Cadets and YEA!, a major loss of participants in the US Bands program, as well as legal fees incurred due to the scandal. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said the woman in the 2008 allegation decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that.. 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. In 2003, Yea! YEA! After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal People are using more water. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. Consent matters.. Taught numerous bands. All Rights Reserved. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. George Hopkins. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. On the social media site Medium.com former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins writes: , Sexual assault charges have been filed against the former director of the famed Allentown Ca. 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. [16] Hopkins and YEA! And those folks do it without flinching. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. 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. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! But this isnt the military. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. 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. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. how enemies came to be friends. 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! Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. 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. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. 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 Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). I cried a little bit," she recalled. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. 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). 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. 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. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. 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. The YEA! He resigned his position in April 2018, but the YEA board rejected his resignation and fired him, citing the sexual misconduct allegations lodged against him.

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