You have permission to edit this article. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. 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. Never thought for once you were a liar!! 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. I was just going to say, check his will! The lyrics are taught to new members each summer and sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum". The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! money, and members. 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. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. 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. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! In addition to The Cadets, YEA! reached a settlement in January 2019. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns after sexual misconduct allegations April 6, 2018, 7:20 AM The decorated director of The Cadets drum and bugle corps. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? 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. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. There are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. 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. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. There was an error processing your request. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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. "I never said yes. 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. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? 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. Hopkins, George. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. 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. He followed that with eight additional DCI World Championships, most But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. 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. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. What is clear ---I need an assistant. 93 (Mvts. 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. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. April 13, 2018. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. 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. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. [16] Hopkins and YEA! The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Board of Directors Resigns, New Board to Guide Organization", "Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault", "Finding no resignation letter, YEA board fired Hopkins with no severance", "DCI action on YEA! As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors withdrew two charges of felony sexual assault and added the indecent assault count, a misdemeanor, and Hopkins pleaded no contest to that charge. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. 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. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. 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. 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. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. It comes from a lot of different places.. Not someone who wants to be an assistant. There was a problem saving your notification. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. 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. 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. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. Follow More from Medium Mark. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. and only for this show no black uniform. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. 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. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! 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. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. {{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. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. 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. ; Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00, United States Scholastic Band Association, "corpsreps.com The Drum Corps Repertoire Database", "Determination: Believing in the Midwest Combine", "Bang the Drum Slowly: A Championship Drum and Bugle Corps Leaves the State", "The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps: A history of alleged sexual abuse", "Statement from the Board of Directors of Youth Education in the Arts", "YEA! Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. And I never said no. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. 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. Advertisement Allentown News The former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. 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. 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. I felt so used.". In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center, resulting in a decision to move The Cadets and all operations of CAE to Erie, Pa. The reasons why may be about more than money. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. 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. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. 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. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. Fine time to ask me now. 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. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Wyoming teachers are leaving. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. [19] On May 1, 2020, The Cadets announced the creation of a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization: Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. 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. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. Consent matters.. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). [9] Claiming to have received no letter of resignation, the new board terminated Hopkins for cause. Success! 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. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. 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. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. 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. 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. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. [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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. 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. But no one is irreplaceable. 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. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. 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. Taught numerous bands. The YEA! 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. 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). The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom had previously filed a motion asking that The Philadelphia Inquirer provide the full and unedited video interview with one of Hopkins accusers that it had produced and published online. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. 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. 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 attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. 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. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. George Hopkins 247 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019).
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george hopkins cadets