George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. There was an error processing your request. 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. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. It said it was reaching out to Youth Education in the Arts, and also planned an internal review to see whether any current members of the DCI staff knew about the allegations and failed to report them. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. 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. 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 Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. 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. 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. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. 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. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Im angry. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! 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, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. By Staff. 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"). Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. 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. Beyer, who said Hopkins assaulted her after she went to work for the corps, watched his plea and sentencing Thursday, but did not speak in court. In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. II, III, & IV) by, The Pines of the Appian Way & The Pines of Villa Borghese by, Devotions: Kyrie Eleison, Simple Song, De Profundis, Agnus Dei, Things Get Broken, Pax: Communion, and Offeratory (all from Mass by Leonard Bernstein) with incidental music by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst & Omar Carmenates, O Holy Name (Traditional) / Opening Scene by Drew Shanefield, Tom Aungst, and Omar Carmenates / Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel / Sensemaya by, Adrenaline City by Adam Gorb / St. Louis Blues by, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990 (tie), 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1983, 1984 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1990 (tie), 1993, 1998, 1983, 1984 (3-way tie), 1985 (tie), 1987 (tie), 1995 (3-way tie), This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. 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. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). 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. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. 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. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Advertisement Allentown News The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. He began as Director in 1983 Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. What is clear ---I need an assistant. 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. The Alliance members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned. Follow More from Medium Mark. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. 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. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . During his tenure, Hopkins took the Cadets to 10 world championships and was an icon in the drum corps community. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. At 192 beats per minute.. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. YEA! The charges are second-degree felonies. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. 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. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. "And he did it anyway. 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. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. April 13, 2018. 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. 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. [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 is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. You can cancel at any time. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. 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. He's due back in court in February. [16] Hopkins and YEA! Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. 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. Error! Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. 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. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. 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. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Error! 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. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Wyoming teachers are leaving. 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. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. In 2003, Yea! But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! that title. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 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. A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. At the first DCI World Championships in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the Cadets just missed making Finals and finished in thirteenth place in a competition that featured thirty-nine corps from the East, the South, the West Coast, the Midwest and Great Plains, and Canada. 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. 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! Wanneer u onze sites en apps gebruikt, gebruiken we, gebruikers authenticeren, veiligheidsmaatregelen toepassen en spam en misbruik voorkomen, en, gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content weergeven op basis van interesseprofielen, de effectiviteit meten van gepersonaliseerde advertenties en content, en, onze producten en services ontwikkelen en verbeteren. In 1940, the Cadets won the American Legion Junior National Championship in Boston, the first of a record nine Legion titles the corps would win between 1940 and 1964. 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. as of March 31, 2020. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. 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. 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. 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. Thats if they make it onto the corps which is decided over several monthly training camps, between which corps hopefuls have to complete video assignments and track their diet and exercise. But this isnt the military. 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. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . Im angry. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Youth in Education in the Arts has issued a second statement on Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins' resignation that came after a Philadelphia Inquirer article on sexual allegations. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. 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. In 1969, the corps became coed. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. In addition, YEA! 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. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! . 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 . As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. She said the memories can, at times, still knock the wind out of me, but I get up., I dont just get up and go to work to hide my pain and put the abuse behind me, she wrote. Never thought for once you were a liar!! "I never said yes. 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. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. There was a problem saving your notification. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer 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). Many of the women who spoke to Philly.com said they felt empowered to come forward by the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct that has toppled powerful men in news and entertainment. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. 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.. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. Free Access to this video! How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Four months after the director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, George Hopkins, resigned amid a sexual misconduct scandal, the spotlight has now turned on another, smaller corps Pioneer of Milwaukee. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. 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. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. 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. reached a settlement in January 2019. It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. 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? Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. 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. Consent matters.. 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]. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). 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. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. 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). . In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . 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. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. There was a problem saving your notification. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most All Rights Reserved. ", She said she didn't file a rape report or inform the board of directors because Hopkins seemed "untouchable.". Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. Youth Education in. Taught numerous bands. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Drum Corps International, the sanctioning body for competition youth drum corps events, said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned" by the allegations against Hopkins.