Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. 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. 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. 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. 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. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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 comes from a lot of different places.. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations 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. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. 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.". Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. 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. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. 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. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. In 2003, Yea! [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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Im angry. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. 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. 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. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. People are using more water. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. [16] Hopkins and YEA! These PEOPLE are your most important asset. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. 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. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com 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. 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. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Also in 1971, the Garfield Cadets, along with the 27th Lancers, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock, formed the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"). In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. 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. Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. Youth Education in. And those folks do it without flinching. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. 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!!! The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. 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. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director 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. YEA! It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. George Hopkins, the director of The Cadets, talks about the 2017 show, "The Faithful, The Fallen, The Forgiven." George talks about the process of designing the show, the use of the singers, the three different uniforms worn by the corps, and about the issues the activity is facing around amplification After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. 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. Follow More from Medium Mark. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. The investigation into Hopkins conduct found he had little oversight from the Cadets board, giving him the freedom to throw things when angry in rehearsals, refer to women as little girls, and send inappropriate sexual emails on the organizations server. 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. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. and only for this show no black uniform. Error! 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). The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. 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]. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. 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. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. I felt so used.". 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. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. George Hopkins Bio In addition, YEA! 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. This is art. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. But no one is irreplaceable. The Cadets Drum Corps -The Three Peat | by George Hopkins | Medium There was an error processing your request. 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. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. You have permission to edit this article. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. 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. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. 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. 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 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. The YEA! Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. At 192 beats per minute.. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps - Wikipedia CEO while denying the allegations. Calhoun marched in 2016 and 2017 before leaving the corps in July of his second year in the midst of mental and physical illness, compounded by the rigors of tour. 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 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. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. 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. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. 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. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. 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ALLENTOWN, Pa. | The defense attorney for the former drum corps director accused of sexual assault is demanding that a newspaper turn over its unedited video interview of his clients accuser in order to prepare a proper defense. Wyoming teachers are leaving. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! 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.. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. 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. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. Never marched in high school band. YEA! In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. 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. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. 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Hopkins, George | WDCHOF Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. in May, stating they lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 2; Steve Vickers, ed. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. Taught numerous bands. Never thought for once you were a liar!! Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. 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. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. 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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. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. "I never said yes. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay.
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