Timothy Busfield Faces Court as New Mexico Seeks Pretrial Detention

Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor, recently faced court in New Mexico amid serious allegations of child sex abuse. He turned himself in to local authorities shortly before his first court appearance. The charges stem from claims that he inappropriately touched a minor while directing the series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque.

Charges Against Timothy Busfield

Albuquerque police issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest last week. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged incidents occurred on the set of the television series.

Busfield’s Response to Allegations

In a statement, Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, asserted that the actor denies the allegations, labeling them as false. As a show of good faith, Busfield took an independent polygraph test regarding the allegations and reportedly passed.

History of Allegations

• Prosecutors aim to keep Busfield in custody, citing a “history of alleged sexual misconduct.”
• The motion outlines a pattern of grooming behavior over two decades.
• Concerns from potential witnesses about retaliation and professional repercussions were raised in court.

Additional Allegations Arise

Another allegation was brought forth on the same day Busfield turned himself in. A father claimed that Busfield kissed and touched his 16-year-old daughter inappropriately during an audition for a role at B Street Theatre, which Busfield co-founded.

Details Surrounding the Incident

The girl’s father reported that Busfield sought to dissuade them from reporting the incident in exchange for therapy. This allegation adds to the scrutiny facing the actor.

Impact on Community and Legal Proceedings

The prosecution’s filing highlights concerns that individuals in positions of authority may evade accountability. This situation raises questions about community safety and the protection of potential victims.

Next Steps in Legal Process

• A court will determine whether to grant the prosecution’s request for pretrial detention.
• A detention hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Public Statements and Ongoing Investigations

Busfield’s dissemination of a video to the media has been criticized, with prosecutors suggesting it prioritizes public narrative over compliance with legal processes. An investigation by Warner Bros. reportedly found no corroborating evidence of misconduct, although prosecutors argue key witnesses were not interviewed.

Family Reactions

Melissa Gilbert, Busfield’s wife, has refrained from making public statements amid the ongoing investigation. Her publicist made it clear that any circulating statements allegedly from her should be disregarded.

This case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress, raising serious concerns about child safety and accountability in the entertainment industry.