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. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. CEO while denying the allegations. Read more JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer [2][3], The Garfield Cadets relocated outside Garfield to Hackensack and became the Cadets of Bergen County in 1989. Updated Nov 13, 2018. 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. 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. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one day off per month. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. 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. Consent matters.. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. 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 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. All that was claimed to have happened didnt happen. Fine time to ask me now. 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. [2][3], In 1958, the Holy Name parish declined to support the corps' travel and disbanded the corps. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. I felt so used.". The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. 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. This has directed more than enough negative attention to the Cadets when in reality, it should be pointed at George Hopkins himself. The amount of time and effort that is necessary to make certain USBands events are successful is astounding. She said she told Hopkins no but was unable to fight off his sexual advances. 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. 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. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. 1, 2 & 4 / Grover's Corner (from Our Town) & Appalachian Spring, Symphony No. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. says every person associated with its drum corps programs must sign a code of conduct, , There's another twist in the ongoing investigation over sexual assault allegations targeting, Documents obtained by 69 News appear to show former Youth Education in the Arts CEO and Alle, The investigation into sexual misconduct allegations at the Allentown Cadets drum and bugle , The organization that oversees Allentown's famed Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. 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. Allentown's Cadets drum and bugle corps forming non-profit, separating from YEA! I was just going to say, check his will! [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. 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. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. Cc: Youth Education in the Arts Board of Directors. [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. 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. The. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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. Also in 1971, the Garfield Cadets, along with the 27th Lancers, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock, formed the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"). to recruit potential members is a Cadet legend. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. 1 / Adagio for Strings / Medea's Dance of Vengeance, The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) / Lincoln Portrait / Music for the Theater, Mvts. 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. By Staff. 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. 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. Steven Chirichella still not the same MarieI feel your thoughts and sure Aunt Nell would be our side. 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. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jello.. She said that one evening in 2008, Hopkins asked her to come to his Allentown apartment to do some work. The corps traveled to Chicago for Legion Nationals at the members' own expense. Advertisement Allentown News ), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The charge to which Hopkins pleaded no contest stemmed from a woman who said she was sexually assaulted in 2010. 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. 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 negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. 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]. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. 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. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. In 198385, the Garfield Cadets became the first DCI corps to earn a three-peatthree consecutive DCI titles. 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, Former Allentown Cadets director issues statement claiming innocence, Charges filed against former Allentown Cadets director, Investigation into YEA sexual misconduct allegations complete, Report clears former YEA interim CEO of wrongdoing, YEA! Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? The whistleblowers say they went public after receiving a feeble response from the Troopers legal team. organization was immediately put on a probationary status by DCI with the statement that, "The terms of the probation include multiple steps for YEA! Hopkins is out on $50,000 bail. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Its a very difficult question, Anthony 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 accused him of sexual harassment or abuse. Als u niet wilt dat wij en onze partners cookies en persoonsgegevens voor deze aanvullende doeleinden gebruiken, klik dan op 'Alles weigeren'. That might be because people are running their faucets to keep pipes from freezing. 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. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! This is the performing arts, you dont need to be like this.. The Inquirer is telling me I need to go to another source, and there isnt one, he argued. I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. Im still standing and using my voice to say what you did was wrong, she said. and only for this show no black uniform. gant \er--gnt, a-r-\ : having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people : having or showing arrogance.thats GH. I cried a little bit," she recalled. Caren Blundetto-Frech This would be more appropriately titled as a BLACK SATURDAY sale . 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.. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Shortly after, more victims came forward, and the accounts of two of these women became the basis of the criminal charges brought in November 2018. Hopkins was forced out as director of the . Hopkins: Briefly, after I personally assisted the project in 1996 (Chris Marino was the chairman of the board for the Crossmen), YEA! Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said the woman in the 2008 allegation decided that not pursuing these charges are in her best interest, and we support her in that.. 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. The corps was known not only for its talent but for its traveling to compete. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. Falk said the victims were in agreement with the plea negotiation. "And he did it anyway. The Cadets began operating independently of YEA! Her twin sister, Linda Riley, also a Cadet, said Hopkins had sex with her without her consent two summers later, when she was 19. 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. Hopkins was also accused of sexually assaulting another woman in Allentown in 2008. If you forget to do a step-off, someones going to collide into you with a 20-pound tuba. Hopkins, 63, is awaiting trial on three counts of felony sexual assault. 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. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' Hopkins needs Help From George Hopkins . In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Read more Kyle Monroe by Tricia L. Nadolny The Cadets won additional DCI championships in 2005 and 2011, the corps' ninth and tenth in forty seasons.[3]. I want to see what else is in that video that is dramatically different than what she told detectives two months later, Bergstrom said. They sleep on hard gym floors, take water breaks on the run and get an average of one. Follow More from Medium Mark. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. 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. 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). April 13, 2018. 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! 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. 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. A statement issued late Thursday night by the YEA board of directors, the organization that operates The Cadets, an elite drum and bugle corps, said CEO George Hopkins denies the allegations but . There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Shes four years removed from the corps now, and married. One in four trooper positions are vacant. The charges are second-degree felonies. Not just for [the victim], but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, the judge said. Hopkins earned about $177,000 in 2017, according to the nonprofit's financial statements. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? Wij, Yahoo, maken deel uit van de Yahoo-merkenfamilie. "I never said yes. 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. 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! In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. 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. 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. creates new code of conduct after sexual harassment allegations, Fired! The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. Also in '96, the Cadets performed at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. 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. If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. Error! A few times in my life I have tried to work with an executive assistant. These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. [5] In January 2009, The Cadets marched in President Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. Als u uw keuzes wilt aanpassen, klik dan op 'Privacyinstellingen beheren'. I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. In the suit, Hopkins denied he was fired by YEA, claiming he left the organization through a mutually agreeable cessation of employment.. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. [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. "[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. 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. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Crews contend with tons of snow as they work to reopen I-80, Powell sisters die in crash with semi-truck, Long shifts, odd calls, brutal weather: inside the Wyoming Highway Patrol staffing shortage, Ex-Casper doctor imprisoned for sexually assaulting patients released years early, Lovell steps up after local sportswriter dies from car crash injuries. 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. They wanted to shed a light on his behavior and for him to have a criminal record, he said. There was an error processing your request. Hopkins had worked for The Cadets since 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. "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. [21] Committees were created in the areas of Health and Wellness, Equality and Inclusion, Performing Arts Education, Governance, and Finance. I think from here on out, theres a new level and a new sense of accountability that we as alumni of the Corps are unified in making sure that these experiences dont happen again, said former Troopers color guard member Vanessa Connell. money, and members. "I felt pressured and I felt cornered. I dont know a single person who marched drum corps and didnt have complaints.. But with the end of 2015, other changes occured. Since the crime occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. 93 (Mvts. Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli GH doesnt love the CADET Organisation he made himself an empire..to support him with his RV and 200K salary plus all the other extras.Laughing at everyone all the way to the bank.. Laura Masker I am not disagreeing with you as far as GH is concerned.