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In the criminal case, prosecutors allege 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. "I never said yes. that title. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from one victim who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010 at age 26, and who provided her account to The Inquirer in 2018. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. [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. "[12] As a part of the terms of probation, the corps' reassessed their planned travel to the West Coast to open the season, and instead decided to proceed with a schedule redrawn for East Coast shows. 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. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. 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. 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. Im angry. 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. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. 93 (Mvts. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. George Hopkins - Medium George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. 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 Cadets Drum Corps (formerly the Holy Name Cadets, Cadets of Garfield, Garfield Cadets, and Cadets of Bergen County) is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. 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! She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. 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. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. {{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. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. Updated Nov 13, 2018. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. Follow More from Medium Mark. 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. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. 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. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Taught numerous bands. (CAE). "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.". 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. 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. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". 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 . It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. 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. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. 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. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? 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. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual 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. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's video interview, George Hopkins' defense attorney wants access to the Philadelphia Inquirer's unedited video, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. In my opinion, its impossible to march drum corps and not be broken in some way when you come out, because its a very rigorous physical and mental activity, said Calhoun, a former baritone. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. At 192 beats per minute.. 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. Hopkins, George. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. 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. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. 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. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a ten-time DCI World Champion, and is the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America.[1]. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. Renowned former drum corps leader charged with sex assault | Fox News Cadets Does it Matter What You Wear? | by George Hopkins - Medium 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. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. 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 website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The defense maintains that the video is very different than what Beyer later told investigators and that the entire video is necessary to mount a proper defense. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. There was a problem saving your notification. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Wyoming teachers are leaving. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Never marched in high school band. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. He's due back in court in February. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. People are using more water. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, By Staff. 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Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. 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. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . 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 After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. 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. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. YEA! The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. The reasons why may be about more than money. as of March 31, 2020. You have permission to edit this article. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Success! [22][23], At the annual World Championship Finals, Drum Corps International (DCI) presents awards to the corps with the high average scores from prelims, semifinals, and finals in five captions. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . 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 . [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.