Melissa Gilbert May Address New Mexico Sex Abuse Hearing for Husband Timothy Busfield
Actor Melissa Gilbert may take the stand at a detention hearing in New Mexico for her husband, Timothy Busfield, who is facing serious criminal charges. These charges pertain to child sex abuse allegations that emerged regarding incidents on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady.”
Details of the Allegations Against Timothy Busfield
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in acclaimed shows like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” was ordered to be held without bond after his initial court appearance last week. He has publicly claimed that the allegations are false.
- Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
- He is also charged with one count of child abuse.
The allegations state that he inappropriately touched a minor during filming. A police report details claims from one boy who stated he was touched on private areas while he was seven and again at eight years old. Additionally, the boy’s twin brother reported similar experiences but did not specify the details.
Defense and Counterclaims
Busfield’s legal team submitted audio recordings suggesting that the children initially reported no such abuse. They argue that the complaints represent a misunderstanding of the boys’ statements, insisting there is a significant difference between a denial and a mere lack of disclosure.
A therapist’s session revealed one boy mentioning inappropriate contact, which has led to a deeper investigation. Legal representatives for Busfield contend that the accusations arose only after the children lost their roles in the production, indicating potential motives of financial gain or retaliation.
Legal Context in New Mexico
Busfield’s attorneys also referred to a past investigation by Warner Bros. that allegedly found the claims to be unfounded. They highlighted letters attesting to Busfield’s character and stated that he successfully passed a polygraph test, which could be admitted in court under certain conditions.
Legal experts note that New Mexico allows polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but its admissibility remains at the judge’s discretion.
Upcoming Hearing Details
- Date: Scheduled for Tuesday.
- Potential witness: Melissa Gilbert, noted for her role as Laura Ingalls in “Little House on the Prairie.”
The legal developments in this case are unfolding, and the outcome of the hearing will be closely monitored by both the public and media outlets alike.
