Oscar-winning songwriter Joseph Brooks has been indicted on sexual assault charges after luring aspiring actresses and models to his apartment with a Craigslist ad.
Brooks, 71, who won an Academy Award for the 1977 ballad “You Light Up My Life,” is accused of raping and sexually assaulting women who responded to the ad, which purported to be seeking women to audition for acting roles.
The first of the alleged assaults occurred at the Carlyle Hotel in November 2006, and involved a 22-year-old woman who said she was sexually abused.
Although toxicology results have been inconclusive, two of the victims said they had been doped with date-rape drugs. Others believe their drinks were spiked.
Law enforcement officials said there was allegedly another assault at Brooks’ apartment in May 2007, and three more that took place in March 2008.
According to Brooks’ attorney, Jeff Hoffman, “there will be lengthy arguments” during the arraignment, which is scheduled for later today.