SONGWRITER IS ACCUSED IN SEX ABUSE OF 5 KIDS

Author: JOHN MARZULLI DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

A songwriter to the stars has been accused of sexually abusing five of his 28 adopted and foster children on Staten Island and in Pennsylvania, authorities said yesterday.

Thomas Cusick, 47, who penned "Don't You Go" for Ricky Martin as well as tunes for Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond, was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

He was released on $300,000 bail yesterday after surrendering to cops in Bucks County, Pa.

Cusick moved from Staten Island to a seven-bedroom home in the affluent Philadelphia suburb of Langhorne in January of last year, Bucks County District Attorney Alan Rubenstein said.

One alleged victim, now 17, told investigators the abuse began eight years ago when the family lived on Staten Island. Authorities then interviewed four other boys, between the ages of 8 and 16, who reported similar assaults, Rubenstein said.

A spokeswoman for Staten Island District Attorney William Murphy said city prosecutors have been in contact with Pennsylvania authorities about the allegations.

Cusick has been profiled in newspaper stories for taking in so many youngsters. A Washington, D.C., group honored Cusick as last year's Father of the Year and Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari also has honored him.

But the fact that Cusick was only 19 when he took in his first boy on Staten Island and that his adopted and foster children are nearly all boys from troubled homes should have raised suspicions, Rubenstein said.

"If the allegations are true, I see him as someone who adopts children for an ulterior purpose of his own sexual gratification," Rubenstein said.

Cusick's attorney, Kevin Zlock, said his client intends to plead not guilty but declined to comment further.

Cusick faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.