Composer Joseph Brooks Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault Charge

Academy Award-winning songwriter and one-time Broadway auteur Joseph Brooks was arrested and charged with sexual assault in New York City on Tuesday June 23. After turning himself in, he was quickly arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s press office. The judge set bail in the amount of $500,000 fully secured bond or $250,000 cash.Academy Award-winning songwriter and one-time Broadway auteur Joseph Brooks has been arrested and charged with sexual assault in New York City. He has turned himself in and currently awaits arraignment.

Brooks gained fame when he won the Oscar for the 1977 movie theme “You Light Up My Life.” In 2005, he served as composer, lyricist, librettist and director on the bizarre, brain-tumor-centered Broadway flop In My Life.

Prosecutors allege that Brooks, 71, used Craigslist to lure women—who ranged in age from 18 to 30—to his apartment on the premise of a movie audition. Among the 91 counts he faces: rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, criminal mischief, forcible touching and grand larceny. (Brooks’ assistant, Shawni Lucier, faces nine counts of criminal facilitation.) 

Brooks has until June 25 to post bail. The case will then be adjourned until August 11, when pretrial motions are set to begin.