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. 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! Never thought for once you were a liar!! 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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. [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. You can cancel at any time. CEO while denying the allegations. The. He began as Director in 1983 Critic: I warned drum corps executive about George Hopkins amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. YEA! Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. People are using more water. how enemies came to be friends. Never marched in high school band. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. 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. 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? 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. 10 in E minor, Op. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. Consent matters.. 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. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! 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. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps - Wikipedia In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins Consent matters.. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. (CAE). 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. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Berry cited precedent in which a federal court found that the defense had not exhausted all other avenues for getting information before a media outlet was forced to hand over an interview. {{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. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault 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. The women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. 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). Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. 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. 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. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Follow More from Medium Mark. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. 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. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. 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. 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? Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . 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. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. YEA! "And he did it anyway. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . 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. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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.. One former Youth Education in the Arts employee who spoke to Philly.com on condition that she was identified only by her first name, Marie, said Hopkins routinely harassed and assaulted her at work. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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! Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com 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 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. 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. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. "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. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. 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. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. 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. It comes from a lot of different places.. Taught numerous bands. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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). Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. The charges are second-degree felonies. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. money, and members. He's due back in court in February. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. 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 felt pressured and I felt cornered. 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. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault 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. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. 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.. 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 the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Board of Directors Resigns, New Board to Guide Organization", "Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault", "Finding no resignation letter, YEA board fired Hopkins with no severance", "DCI action on YEA! as of March 31, 2020. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. This action was taken in reaction to the rigid, inflexible rules of the American Legion and VFW (the primary rule makers and sponsors of both corps and shows) and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. 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. 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.. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. In 1969, the corps became coed. [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. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. 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]. 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. The rehearsal and performance grind wore him down, and he got little help from Jackson a former nurse aside from recommendations to drink coconut water and sit out a few reps. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. 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. 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. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. 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). 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 . Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. 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. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The parent organization of the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps has settled part of a lawsuit by its former CEO George Hopkins over his salary and benefits after he was fired in the wake. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. This is our director.". [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. After the hearing, Hopkins' lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers' stories. Youth Education in. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. I just felt like, Well, youre right. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive George Hopkins Resigns As Director Of Cadets Following Sexual Assault You have permission to edit this article. 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. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. and only for this show no black uniform. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations 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. April 13, 2018. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, to which Hopkins pleaded no contest. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . An order filed Tuesday in. 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 YEA! 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. And I never said no. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. 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. 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. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. There was a problem saving your notification. In a high-profile case that came to light in 2018, a former director of the Allentown Cadets was accused of sexual misconduct ranging from verbal harassment to rape by 12 women, several of them former corps members.
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