Timothy Busfield Denied Bail in New Mexico Child Sex Abuse Case
A New Mexico judge has denied bail for actor Timothy Busfield following multiple child sex abuse allegations. During his initial court hearing, Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera ordered that Busfield be held without bond, pending further legal proceedings. The actor’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2026.
Charges Against Timothy Busfield
The charges against Busfield, 68, include two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He surrendered to authorities on January 9, 2026, after an arrest warrant was issued. Busfield has denied the allegations and claims he is determined to prove his innocence.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, stated that the actor voluntarily took a polygraph test and passed. Stein emphasized that the allegations are false, blaming a former co-worker’s mother for initiating a vendetta against Busfield.
- Arrest Date: January 9, 2026
- Court Appearance: January 14, 2026
- Charges: Two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor, one count of child abuse
- Preliminary Hearing: January 29, 2026
Defense attorney John W. Day believes Busfield’s team may petition for his release, arguing he is not a flight risk. However, prosecutors argue that Busfield poses a danger to children, presenting a lengthy history of inappropriate conduct.
Allegations and Investigation
The allegations stem from incidents that reportedly occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a series Busfield directed. A child reported that Busfield inappropriately touched him several times between the ages of 7 and 8. The investigation, initiated after a doctor reported the case to police on November 1, 2024, is ongoing.
An independent investigation conducted by Warner Bros. found no corroborating evidence of the alleged misconduct. Christina McGovern, who led the inquiry, stated that no supporting evidence was uncovered during the investigation.
Public and Family Response
Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has reportedly refrained from making public statements during this time. Following the arrest warrant, she deleted her Instagram account but continues to support her husband. Her representative has requested privacy for their family as they navigate this challenging period.
Community Concerns
The implications of these serious charges have raised significant concern in the community. Prosecutors have outlined the potential danger Busfield may pose, citing fears expressed by witnesses regarding retaliation.
As this case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Busfield’s career and personal life, as both legal and public scrutiny intensify.
