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. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. "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. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. The DCI.org interview: George Hopkins Two more women say they were raped by Cadets' George Hopkins - Inquirer.com "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. A Failure to Protect - Inquirer.com Renowned former drum corps leader charged with sex assault | Fox News Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. 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. CEO while denying the allegations. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. Youth Education in. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. George Hopkins, exiting court in Allentown in December 2018, pleaded no contest Thursday to indecent assault. 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. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold The Alliance members felt that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. 93 (Mvts. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. Former drum corps director George Hopkins charged with sexual assault 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. There was a problem saving your notification. "There were some tears. The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. He's due back in court in February. At one point, a staff member called members of his section worthless to their faces, because they couldnt march without passing out from untended injuries. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. After the allegations surfaced, Hopkins resigned in April and was then fired by a new board of directors. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Ex-Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins waives hearing on sexual He began as Director in 1983 Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent During training, 150 members aged 14 to 22 rehearse for 12 hours a day, on their feet from morning to night. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. 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 prosecution on Wednesday did not take a position on the defenses request. Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps members perform during the corps' 50th anniversary gathering in July 2011. that title. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. 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. The. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. George Hopkins, who led The Cadets to renown and a slew of national and world championships, stepped down from the Allentown-based group after Philly.com reported Thursday that nine women had. George Hopkins - Founder - 11 Rings | LinkedIn George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? To honor their 75th anniversary, the corps was called the Holy Name Cadets for the 2009 season. 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. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. Updated Nov 13, 2018. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. The YEA! 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 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. Please know, you lose many, many GREAT people because of the reasons I listed and more. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. 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. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? Edwin Garrity of the Holy Name Catholic parish in Garfield, New Jersey founded the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 1934 as an activity for the boys in the parish. 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. In both cases, the women say after meeting with Hopkins on business, they were drugged and sexually assaulted. 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. A tuba player lost feeling in their right hand, he said, and wasnt treated until the next day. 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! 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. 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 is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. You have permission to edit this article. 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]. [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. "We are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity guided by the following founding principles: To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication; To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants; and To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence.". All Rights Reserved. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. The 36-year-old woman addressed Anthony and spoke about years of fear, shame and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. 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. The Cadets Drum Corps -The Three Peat | by George Hopkins | Medium Awaiting trial for sex assault, former Allentown bugle corps director 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. 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. 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. Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. Defense in sex assault case wants newspaper to hand over accuser's 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. "I never said yes. agreed to take over the assets and liabilities of the Crossmen in 1997. Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! There, she said, he gave her a glass of wine and sexually assaulted her. 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.. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! 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). It is clear that this is not something you are okay with. 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. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. Fine time to ask me now. The corps would fail to make DCI Finals for the first three years they were held and for six of DCI's first eight seasons. In addition, YEA! The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. [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 Hopkins on The Cadets 2017 Show | Marching Arts Education 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. 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. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. 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. Four months after the director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, George Hopkins, resigned amid a sexual misconduct scandal, the spotlight has now turned on another, smaller corps Pioneer of Milwaukee. YEA! 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. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. The truth about George Hopkins : r/drumcorps - reddit Critic: I warned drum corps executive about George Hopkins It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. 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? Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. 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. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. Please subscribe to keep reading. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Executive Director, Youth Education in the Arts Director, nine-time DCI World Championship Cadets D&B Corps Social Studies Teacher: Aston Township HS (PA) 1979-80 Band Director: Northern Highlands High School (NJ), 1984 In 1971, the Cadets marched a show they called, "No More War"; at VFW Nationals in Dallas. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . wondering if he would be able to field and/or finance a corps, and ended 1983 The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana At the first DCI World Championships in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the Cadets just missed making Finals and finished in thirteenth place in a competition that featured thirty-nine corps from the East, the South, the West Coast, the Midwest and Great Plains, and Canada. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations 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. Falk said the women were in agreement with the plea deal. Never marched in high school band. Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. This is art. Youth Education in the Arts governs the Allentown Cadets drum corps. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. 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. Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. 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. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. In 1998, the corps rebranded once again, dropping any reference to locale from its name and becoming simply The Cadets. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. In 1950, the Cadets went on the road for three weeks in order to defend their Legion title in Los Angeles. Consent matters.. [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.
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