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. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. It wasnt rape and it wasnt sexual assault, Bergstrom said. Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. You can cancel at any time. Even snow plows and emergency vehicles were. There was a problem saving your notification. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Interim Executive Director of CAE, subsequently signed an agreement to make the Erie Sports Center The Cadets' year-round home. 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. 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! Calhoun ended up pulling a hamstring, but wasnt sent to a clinic for treatment. One in four trooper positions are vacant. 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. An order filed Tuesday in. I was just going to say, check his will! 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. 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. 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. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. 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. George Hopkins. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. The Troopers arent the only prestigious drum corps hit with allegations in recent years. money, and members. Former Allentown Cadets director George Hopkins has settled a civil claim with the Cadets parent organization, Youth Education in the Arts, regarding compensation. Hopkins is facing two sexual assault charges after nearly a dozen women came forward with allegations in 2018. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! [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. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. 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. 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. 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. Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. 253 votes, 88 comments. But this isnt the military. I am not a Trooper, Im just a sack of meat, just sitting on the ground being worthless.. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. 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. to take in order for its drum corps to participate in the upcoming 2018 DCI Summer Tour. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. participation in 2018 Summer Tour", "Cadets to forgo west coast portion of 2018 tour", "Ex-director of Allentown drum corps enters plea in sexual assault case", "Former Allentown Cadets band leader pleads no contest to indecent assault; judge calls him 'disgusting', "Drum corps seeks $1.5 million from former director after sexual misconduct scandal", "George Hopkins, YEA settle civil suit regarding compensation", "The Cadets Announce Independent Not-For-Profit Youth Organization", https://cadets.org/cadets-announce-move-erie-pa, https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/48381432/erie-sports-center-to-become-permanent-home-for-the-cadets-drum-corps, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Cadets_Drum_and_Bugle_Corps&oldid=1139537566, The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams / Give it One by, Advance of the Sponges by HIGGINS / Left Bank Express by Pete Jackson / Pieces of Dreams by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman / Echano by Chuck Mangione / Strawberry Soup by, Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson / In Nomine Patris, Almighty Father, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, God Said, De Profundis, Part 2 & A Simple Song, Maria, Rumble, Prologue, America, I Have a Love, & Tonight, Jeremiah Symphony, Overture to Candide & Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide), I Dreamed A Dream, At the End of the Day, Look Down, On My Own, Attack on Rue Plumet, Bring Him Home, One Day More & At the Barricades, In the Spring, When Kings Go Off to War; Ballet Sacra & On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, Dance at the Gym, Mambo, Cha-cha, Cool, Prologue/Rumble, A Boy Like That, Tonight & Finale, The Reivers, Born on the 4th of July, Blowing Off Steam (from Far and Away), Swing, Swing, Swing (from 1941) & Land Race (from Far and Away), The Promise of Living (from Tender Land) by Aaron Copland / Tulsa: A Portrait in Oil by, Tapestry Of Nations, Prologue, Chaos and Meaning, The Sage of Time & The Promise, History Repeating by Alex Gifford / White Rabbit by, Rumble, Prologue, A Boy Like That-I Have A Love, Cool & Tonight, Symphony No. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Cadets Drum Corps Sep 1982 - Apr 2018 35 years 8 months . 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. [17], The Cadets was formerly part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA! creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. 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. 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. YEA! An order filed Tuesday in federal court says Hopkins and YEA have reached an agreement. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. He watched as several other members suffered avoidable injuries from being overworked with little rest. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. Consent matters.. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. There was an error processing your request. 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. Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. [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, 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. 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. Their biggest resource in that effort may be the very people who are speaking out. April 13, 2018. 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). 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. In 1987, the corps won its fourth DCI crown in five years. "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.". 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]. 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. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. A Chicago law firm has exonerated suspended Youth Education in the Arts employee Sean King. 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. established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! wondering if he would be able to field and/or finance a corps, and ended 1983 You have permission to edit this article. I just felt like, Well, youre right. People are using more water. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Its a very difficult question, Anthony said. 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. 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. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. 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 City of Erie welcomed The Cadets with open arms, offering access to local business relationships, services, volunteers, and new opportunities for funding and partnerships. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. George Hopkins resigned as director of the Cadets, an elite drum corps based in Allentown, Pa., after nine women accused him of sexual misconduct. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. "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. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. that title. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. There was a problem saving your notification. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. Chapter 5 Staff changes and letters to the board of directors . Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. Through his attorney, Hopkins said he did not know who Marie is, but denied her allegation. 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. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. "[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. For those of you who do not follow the drum corps news, George Hopkins recently resigned as the director of the Cadets because of sexual misconduct allegations from nine women. 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. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. how enemies came to be friends. For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . 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. Charles Mura, Michael Koeph, and the Rev. READ MORE: Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding.