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. The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. and only for this show no black uniform. April 13, 2018. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Im angry. The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. I just felt like, Well, youre right. which will ALWAYS take priority over my work. 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. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. [8] On April 11, the Board of Directors tendered its resignation and a new Board and officers immediately took over operations of the organization. In 2003, Yea! If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. . The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. People are using more water. As promised, here is Part 1, of an eight part interview/discussion with the designers and teachers of the Cadets 1983-84-85, the holders of the first Drum Corps International three-peat, and . In addition to The Cadets, YEA! Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. It comes from the higher-ups, it comes from the admin, it comes from the board of directors, it comes from the staff, the caption staff, the people that are in charge of putting on the show. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! 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. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. 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. Im angry. Advertisement Allentown News with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. Consent matters.. You can cancel at any time. YEA! It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. 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. George Hopkins. 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. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Fine time to ask me now. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! "I never said yes. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. 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. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. {{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. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. 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. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. 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. [16] Hopkins and YEA! The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. YEA! This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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. We could soon find out, A windy, cloudy Saturday for the Lehigh Valley, but the sun will come out tomorrow, Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. 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All Rights Reserved. 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. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. "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. 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. [10] The organization also hired a Chicago labor and employment law firm, Franczek Radelet, to investigate the accusations against Hopkins as well as YEA!s policies and procedures for providing a safe environment for youth members, employees, and volunteers. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? 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. 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. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. (CAE). The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Success! It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". But this isnt the military. 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 . She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. In addition, YEA! 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. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. At 192 beats per minute.. 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. 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. 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). (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. 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. 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"). Success! They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. 10 in E minor, Op. 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. The. 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. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. 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. "[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 negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. 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! I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said, READ MORE: Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls. His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's video interview, George Hopkins' defense attorney wants access to the Philadelphia Inquirer's unedited video, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. 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. 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. Wyoming teachers are leaving. 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.. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. 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. [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. 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. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . 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. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! 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. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. There was an error processing your request. 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. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. He's due back in court in February. 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. The dozen women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. 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. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! You have permission to edit this article. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. Not someone who wants to be an assistant. During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. 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. In 1969, the corps became coed. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) that title. Edwin Garrity of the Holy Name Catholic parish in Garfield, New Jersey founded the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 1934 as an activity for the boys in the parish. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 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. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. 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. 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. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. 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. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. 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. 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. 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. One in four trooper positions are vacant. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O..
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