Folks were upset, nothing new, but this time, the anger took a more aggressive approach. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. All Rights Reserved. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny By Staff. The YEA! Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. 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. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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. 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. But this isnt the military. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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.. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. This is art. . Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. 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. 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. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. New statement from Youth in Education in the Arts on Allentown Cadets The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. 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. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. 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. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive 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). The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. One in four trooper positions are vacant. Taught numerous bands. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. The judge opined that this situation is very different than, say, a defendants statement to police, a full copy of which would be made available to the defense by the prosecution. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. 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. 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. Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? 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. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. Never thought for once you were a liar!! Shes four years removed from the corps now, and married. Prior to 2000 and the adoption of the current scoring format, the Cadets won these captions: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps Vol. There was a problem saving your notification. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 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. Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com George Hopkins Bio 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 . 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. National Park Service encourages folks to never push a slower friend down in bear encounters, Jillian Balow, former Wyoming schools superintendent, resigns from new job in Virginia, Pressure on House speaker intensifies as Hageman, national voices weigh in, Wyoming's Jeff Linder coaching his heart out for his dad, seniors Hunter Maldonado and Hunter Thompson, Officials investigating death in Converse County, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Wyoming man admits to double murder, avoids possible death penalty, 2023 Wyoming State High School Boys Wrestling Championships results, Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help, Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps director resigns after allegations of unsafe culture, poor conditions, New Lutheran college in Casper announces academic dean. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. "[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. Fine time to ask me now. Advertisement Allentown News Report clears former Cadets employee ensnared in boss's sexual 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. 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. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. 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. There was an error processing your request. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. 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. In written remarks later directed at Hopkins, she said she had joined the Cadets bright-eyed, eager, and innocently believing that through hard work and integrity most things were possible., Instead, she said, working for the Cadets meant being subjected to verbal and sexual abuse. 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. 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. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns CEO while denying the allegations. Follow More from Medium Mark. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. 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. 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. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge April 13, 2018. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. 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. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. . Wyoming teachers are leaving. 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). Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. CEO while denying the allegations. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. 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! The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! says every person associated with its drum corps programs must sign a code of conduct, , There's another twist in the ongoing investigation over sexual assault allegations targeting, Documents obtained by 69 News appear to show former Youth Education in the Arts CEO and Alle, The investigation into sexual misconduct allegations at the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle , The organization that oversees Allentown's famed Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. In addition, YEA! Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. "I never said yes. 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 253 votes, 88 comments. "There were some tears. 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). 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. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. ALLENTOWN, Pa. | The defense attorney for the former drum corps director accused of sexual assault is demanding that a newspaper turn over its unedited video interview of his clients accuser in order to prepare a proper defense. 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. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. 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. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. in May, stating it had lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public in the 2018 Inquirer account. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. 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. The charges are second-degree felonies. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. 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. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. 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. 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. 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. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. 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 members and staff, however, were not willing to cease the corps operations, and reorganized as a new organization, even though the parish kept the uniforms and instruments. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. (CAE). Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office workers said he was a volatile, often verbally abusive boss. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. "I just kept saying no, don't do this, I don't want to do this," said Marie, who said she went by her middle name at work. In 1969, the corps became coed. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. that title. 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. 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. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. You have permission to edit this article. Im angry. 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. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. YEA! He's due back in court in February. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. But no one is irreplaceable. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. 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. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. 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. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. 10 in E minor, Op. 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. Success! Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. [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. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? 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 wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. 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. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Cadets official statement. George Hopkins has resigned.