The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations 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. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. 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. 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. 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 YEA! First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. reached a settlement in January 2019. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins settles with YEA on The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Success! "[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. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. 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 Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. 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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. You have permission to edit this article. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Renowned former drum corps leader charged with sex assault | Fox News Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. 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. 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. 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 . 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. Consent matters.. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. He's due back in court in February. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. 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. At 192 beats per minute.. What is clear ---I need an assistant. 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. The group keeps up a grueling practice and travel schedule, performing throughout the United States. and only for this show no black uniform. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . 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. Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. 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. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. 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. George Hopkins Bio The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. You have permission to edit this article. 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. YEA! with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a ten-time DCI World Champion, and is the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America.[1]. 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. The prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation 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. All Rights Reserved. [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. Im angry. 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 CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. 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. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. 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. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. There was an error processing your request. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. The judge did not issue a ruling from the bench on Bergstroms motion. 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. In 1969, the corps became coed. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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! Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. 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. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. Youth Education in. 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 a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. Former drum corps leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. 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. 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. wondering if he would be able to field and/or finance a corps, and ended 1983 The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). In addition, YEA! [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. 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. 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. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. This is art. In a high-profile case that came to light in 2018, a former director of the Allentown Cadets was accused of sexual misconduct ranging from verbal harassment to rape by 12 women, several of them former corps members. On April 5, 2018, allegations were made in published reports that the longstanding corps director, George Hopkins, sexually harassed or abused multiple members of the corps and staff over a period of years. 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. as of March 31, 2020. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. 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! It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 253 votes, 88 comments. 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. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. The group said it was taking steps to address the issues raised by past members, and has subsequently hired a new interim director. After the hearing, Hopkins lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, called the probationary sentence a fair result and said there were many inconsistencies in the accusers stories. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. 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. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation, he could be sent to a state prison. Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in - lehighvalleylive People are using more water. 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. [22][23], At the annual World Championship Finals, Drum Corps International (DCI) presents awards to the corps with the high average scores from prelims, semifinals, and finals in five captions. I just felt like, Well, youre right. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. 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. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. 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. George Hopkins, longtime director of the Cadets drum corps, resigns 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. . The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! You have permission to edit this article. 10 in E minor, Op. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. 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. 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 Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. And I never said no. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's 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. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. 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 . She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. 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. "I never said yes. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director 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. Allentown Cadets director resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA!
What Happens To Geoffrey Charles In Poldark Books, Five Functions Of A Priest, Symonds Yat Dentist, Articles G