george hopkins cadets
She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. CEO while denying the allegations. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. 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. 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. 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. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 253 votes, 88 comments. and only for this show no black uniform. 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. This is our director.". Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. "Dear George Hopkins, This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. You have permission to edit this article. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and 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. Never thought for once you were a liar!! She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. Consent matters.. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the 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. 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Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Names and emails redacted to protect the innocent. 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. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. 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.. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' April 13, 2018. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. 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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Success! Success! Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. 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. how enemies came to be friends. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. 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. There was an error processing your request. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. 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. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. 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. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. 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 corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Im angry. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (CAE). 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. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. People are using more water. 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. 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. Updated Nov 13, 2018. The. 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. You can cancel at any time. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. 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. 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. 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. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. 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. 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. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. 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. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. 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. The charges are second-degree felonies. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. 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. The YEA! Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. for more than $650,000 in severance and back pay, the organization filed a counter-suit against the former director for $1.5 million in losses which it alleges to have lost due to the sexual misconduct scandal. But this isnt the military. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. 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. 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). 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. 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. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. At 192 beats per minute.. 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. 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! to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. 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. 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. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. 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. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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. Rescue operations underway as Wyoming blizzard continues to wreak havoc, Applications open for nonprofit 1-cent funding, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Gordon discusses importance of focusing on Wyoming solutions, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities. On Friday, October 6, 2017, 10:08 PM, XXXX XXXX XXXX@XXXX.com wrote: This letter is to inform you of my resignation as Director of USBands, effective immediately. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. The Troopers and other corps under the Drum Corps International umbrella are now left to reckon with the allegations brought against them on a deeper level, beyond personnel. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? [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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. 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. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! . [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. 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. George Hopkins. Steven Chirichella Richie has his gold uniform on him in his eternity as he lies in the heavens dont turn him blackplease oh Holy Name. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. Consent matters.. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. 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. 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. 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 2003, Yea! After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. You have permission to edit this article. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. 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. 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. Taught numerous bands. "There were some tears. 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. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. {{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. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Im angry. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. The reasons why may be about more than money. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! Error! Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. The decision to leave wasnt easy, especially since the messaging within the organization encourages members to deal with the hardships or be seen as weak. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. 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. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. "[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. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. 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. She said Hopkins' denials on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 he complained he had been smeared were a constant source of anxiety. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? 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. 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. 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. 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. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. YEA! But I never said yes," said Linda Riley. He's due back in court in February. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. CEO while denying the allegations. Hopkins, George. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The longtime leader of a champion Pennsylvania-based drum and bugle corps has resigned in the wake of a newspaper report that contained allegations of sexual misconduct spanning nearly four decades. I just felt like, Well, youre right. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. 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). Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. 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"). For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! In 1996, sponsorship of the corps was passed to Youth Education in the Arts (YEA), an umbrella organization sponsoring several youth and musical activities.