In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. 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.". 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. Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. 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. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. Hopkins surrendered to authorities, was arraigned, and was released on $50,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4. 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. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? 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. Taught numerous bands. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. 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. 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 accused him of sexual harassment or abuse. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. "There were some tears. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. Success! After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. [10] On September 22, 2020, Hopkins pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was sentenced to two years probation[14] and fined $5,000. (YEA), the umbrella group that operates the Cadets and also serves 60,000 marching band . The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. 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. 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. 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. 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 cried a little bit," she recalled. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. In addition, YEA! Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Hopkins, George. As temperatures have plunged this winter, water use has risen. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. Hopkins also served as CEO of the Cadets' parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts. She said he showed up at her apartment one morning, begged her for sex, then pushed her on the bed and raped her. Hopkins was also charged with sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown; that charge was dropped as part of an agreement that led to Thursdays plea. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. The Troopers and other corps under the Drum Corps International umbrella are now left to reckon with the allegations brought against them on a deeper level, beyond personnel. An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. Never marched in high school band. 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. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Shes four years removed from the corps now, and married. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. This is art. 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. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. 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. "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.". The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. In 1969, the corps became coed. I felt so used.". 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. 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. 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. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. She marched from 2015 to 2017, around the same time as Calhoun. Updated Nov 13, 2018. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). 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. And I never said no. 93 (Mvts. 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. Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 19682019). 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. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. It carries the same weight at sentencing as a guilty plea. They dont eat lunch until their section is perfectly lined up by twos. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. CEO while denying the allegations. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! 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In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. 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. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. 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 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. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . 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. 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. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. 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. What is clear ---I need an assistant. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. Calhoun said, careful not to sound arrogant, that he was a solid corps member. 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. has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. as of March 31, 2020. 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. Watch this report from Action News at 4:30pm on April 6, 2018. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! 10 in E minor, Op. Youth Education in. . Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. 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. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. Overall, the deficit was about $200,000. 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). There was an error processing your request. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) 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 want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge 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. The corps felt that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. 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. Michael Berry, attorney for the Inquirer, countered that the defense could interview Beyer on its own or cross-examine her at trial. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! (CAE). Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. 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. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. 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. This is our director.". They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! 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. also sponsored the recently inactive 2016 DCA Champion Cadets2 Drum Corps, 2014 WGI Independent Open Champion Cadets Winter Percussion, and Cadets Winter Guard; USBands (formerly United States Scholastic Band Association); the Urban Arts Center of the Lehigh Valley, which included the Xcape Dance Studio.[18]. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. In 2003, Yea! 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. It comes from a lot of different places.. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. 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). Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The. She said Hopkins words on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 were a constant source of anxiety. The Scouts, however, have not competed on the field since 2015, making The Cadets the oldest continuously active junior corps. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. Bergstrom reiterated his position that he cant effectively prepare a defense without access to the full interview. Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. 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 . 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. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents involving two women. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. 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. It wasnt rape, and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! 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