‘You Light Up My Life’ Songwriter Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges

‘You Light Up My Life,’ Songwriter Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges. Oscar winning songwriter, Joe Brooks was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting women whom he would fly in to New York under the impression they were auditioning for movie roles, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office released Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009.

(pic) Songwriter Joe Brooks is best known for writing “You Light Up My Life” and directing the movie.

Joseph Brooks, 71, faces multiple charges including rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, forcible touching, assault, grand larceny and criminal mischief. The charges involve 11 women, authorities stated.

Brooks won the Oscar for best original song for the 1977 song, “You Light Up My Life.” He also directed the movie, which is about a director who has a one night stand with an actress. Well, they do say, write about what you know…

‘You Light Up My Life’ Songwriter Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges and actress Melanie Mayron, who starred in “You Light Up My Life,” says, “I’m flabbergasted,”

Mayron said she did not stay in contact with Brooks over the years but described him as a “lovely man.” Isn’t that touching, Baby Boomers? A man who is indicted on faces multiple charges including rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, forcible touching, assault, grand larceny and criminal mischief…with the charges involving 11 women who have come forward.

In the indictment, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau alleges that Brooks would fly women in from California, Florida and Oregon for private auditions.

“He would serve the women one or two glasses of wine and the women described feelings that suggested that a date rape drug was used,” said Lisa Friel, assistant district attorney. But added, that toxicology results were unclear.

Shawni Lucier, Brooks’ personal assistant, was also charged with criminal facilitation in connection with arranging some of the encounters. What a tangled web we weave…

Brooks, of course, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 and the bail was set at $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash.

The suspect agreed to the terms and left the courthouse and is set to return Thursday morning, June 25th, 2009, and meet the bail agreement, stated Jeffery C. Hoffman, his lawyer.

Brooks attorney stated that some of the women who made the accusations were trying out for a role in a screenplay Brooks wrote. None of the girls was chosen for the part and may feel “upset about that fact.”

Hoffman, Brooks attorney stated that he is looking forward to proving his client’s innocence.

“All I can say is, my client is anxious to clear his name of these false charges,” he added.

And you wonder why we have so many lawyer jokes on this site…

For the full story of “‘You Light Up My Life,’” Songwriter Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges,” go to CNN News.