Timothy Busfield Released on Own Recognizance Amid Child Sex Abuse Charges

Actor Timothy Busfield secured release from custody after a judge ruled in his favor during a pretrial detention hearing. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, broke down in tears in court upon hearing the decision. She mouthed words of gratitude as the ruling allowed Busfield to await trial outside jail.

Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges stem from allegations of inappropriate touching of two young boys on the set of ‘The Cleaning Lady’. Parents accused him of contact on multiple occasions starting in 2022 when the boys were 7 years old.

An additional accusation involves alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl years earlier in Sacramento, California. Authorities began investigating in November 2024 after a physician reported suspected abuse and grooming. A New Mexico arrest warrant issued on January 9 led to Busfield’s surrender.

Judge David Murphy ordered release on Busfield’s own recognizance with no bail required. Conditions permit him to leave the state and reside at home. Supervision falls under a pretrial service in Albuquerque.

Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, stated that his client denies the allegations in the criminal complaint. Stein described them as completely false. Defense filings argued the state’s case lacks genuine evidence of dangerousness.

Attorneys further claimed allegations come from witnesses with documented histories of fraud and financial exploitation. They noted contradictions from a studio investigation and refutations by other witnesses. Objective risk assessments also supported release.

Director Ken Olin provided a character reference for Busfield. Olin described him as a man who cares about others, old and young. Olin expressed certainty that Busfield would never harm a child.

In a police interaction, Busfield commented on his on-set behavior. He noted interactions occurred in front of parents. He added there would never be a weird moment.

The ruling marks a defeat for prosecutors seeking continued detention. Busfield maintains supervision until trial proceedings advance. The case continues to draw attention given the actors’ Hollywood profiles.

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