This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. "There were some tears. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. 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. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations 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. YEA! Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. George Hopkins Bio money, and members. The Cadets - Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins A | Facebook Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. 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. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault 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. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. Error! There was a problem saving your notification. Consent matters.. Crews were actively searching for people who were trapped, but having a hard time getting to them. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. [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. I get up because Ive done the work to make myself whole and understand the evil that was done to me was not because of me, but because of you.. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. One in four trooper positions are vacant. In 2003, Yea! Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. 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. 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. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. I just felt like, Well, youre right. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. 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. 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. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. Updated Nov 13, 2018. 253 votes, 88 comments. 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. 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. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. 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 There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. 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. Morning call file photo/Special to The Morning Call, Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him disgusting, Trump supporters who drove Hummer with guns and ammo to Philadelphia vote-counting site spared more jail time, Paul Muschick: Would money motivate Pennsylvania businesses to move to a four-day work week? Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Broke-down buses, Ibuprofen, and a sex offender: On the road with The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Twelve women have told the Inquirer they were sexually harassed or abused by Hopkins over the nearly four decades he served as director of Allentown's famed Cadets, years during which he achieved rock-star-like status in the activity. In his federal lawsuit seeking severance pay and other monies, Hopkins asserts that he resigned from the organization by letter on April 5, and that his departure was "mutually agreed"-upon. Youth Education in. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. YEA! "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. 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? Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. Cadets are in troubleGH loves it that way.He wants there to be no Cadets if something happens to him.Cadets are in trouble for the FUTURE!!! 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. Bergstrom argued that the states shield laws do not apply in this case as the Inquirer is not protecting a confidential source or communication. 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. 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. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. 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. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! 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 former, longtime director of the Allentown Cadets competitive marching band entered a plea Thursday in a sexual assault case dating to 2018. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. 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. Consent matters.. as of March 31, 2020. People are using more water. CEO while denying the allegations. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. [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. . Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. "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 her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. 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. Youth in Education in the Arts has issued a second statement on Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins' resignation that came after a Philadelphia Inquirer article on sexual allegations. 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! 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. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 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! 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. It comes from a lot of different places.. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! Her husband, based on everything hes heard about drum corps from Connell, says he wouldnt let any of their children march. 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. You need to make sure that you are taking care of them. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. And I never said no. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault There was a problem saving your notification. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. YEA! Critic: I warned drum corps executive about George Hopkins 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. But instead, he encountered a disorganized administrative team that seemed to be improvising on the job. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. An order filed Tuesday in. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. The Allentown Cadets drum and bugle corps lost sponsors, donors and engagements because of sexual misconduct allegations against its then-director George Hopkins. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. 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 are so many other things that Ive witnessed as a marching member, but theyre not my stories to tell, Connell said. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. I felt so used.". Allentown Cadets hit hard financially by sexual misconduct scandal You have permission to edit this article. Its credits include the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, President Barack Obama's first inaugural parade, a reality TV show and "Late Night with David Letterman.". established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) 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). Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! Fifteen years before nine women stepped forward to accuse drum corps leader George Hopkins of sexual abuse, a long-time critic says he warned the director of the activity's governing body of questionable behavior by Hopkins, but was dismissed. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. 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.