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'You Light Up My Life' Writer Accused of NYC Rapes




NEW YORK -- The Oscar-winning songwriter and director behind "You Light Up My Life" has been arraigned on charges he lured women to New York City and raped and sexually assaulted them.

Joseph Brooks pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Manhattan's state Supreme Court. A 91-count indictment accuses him of rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, assault and other offenses.

The 71-year-old Brooks faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of first-degree rape.

Prosecutors say Brooks used his Hollywood credentials on the Craigslist classified ads Web site to attract 11 women aged 18 to 30. They say his ad sought attractive young women for a starring role in a movie.

They say nine of the women were from the Portland, Ore., and Seattle areas and the others were from California and Florida.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) _ The songwriter and director behind "You Light Up My Life" has been indicted on charges of raping or sexually assaulting women who answered audition ads on Craigslist.

Joseph Brooks, who's 71, will be arraigned later Tuesday.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau says nine of the 11 victims answered an ad seeking women to audition for acting roles.

Brooks won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the 1977 ballad "You Light Up My Life."

He also wrote and directed the "You Light Up My Life" movie. It's about a comedian who has a one-night stand with a director.

Brooks' attorney, Jeff Hoffman, says "there will be lengthy arguments" during the arraignment.

© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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