Timothy Busfield Faces Court Hearing for Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Timothy Busfield, a 68-year-old Emmy-winning actor and director, faced a court hearing in New Mexico concerning serious child sexual abuse charges. The allegations involve the abuse of twin boys aged 11 during a film shoot. Busfield appeared in court dressed in a prison jumpsuit with shackles, while his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, sat in the gallery.
Details of the Court Hearing
The pretrial detention hearing began in the Bernalillo County Courthouse around 4 p.m. ET and was anticipated to take several hours. Following an arrest warrant from the Albuquerque Police Department, Busfield voluntarily surrendered to authorities last week. He is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse, which he has denied.
Prosecution’s Argument for Detention
Prosecutors argue that Busfield poses a continuous risk to children and the community, citing a history of “sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior.” They submitted a significant 237-page court filing outlining these claims as part of their motion to keep him detained until his trial.
Defense’s Claims
In response, Busfield’s legal team filed a motion advocating for his release. They argue that the mother of the children made the allegations out of revenge after her sons were replaced in the film. Additionally, they noted that Busfield had passed a polygraph test and had undergone a psychological evaluation indicating he does not have a sexual attraction to minors.
Background of the Allegations
The investigation into Busfield’s actions was initiated in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported suspicions of abuse. Reports state that the alleged incidents took place on the set of the now-canceled TV series, The Cleaning Lady, from 2022 to 2024. The children referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim,” which drew the mother’s concern.
Investigation Findings
- Initial inquiry in November 2024 did not meet police criteria for accepted claims, according to the document.
- By October 2025, the mother reported to Child Protective Services that her children had disclosed sexual abuse.
- One twin alleged that Busfield touched him several times inappropriately when he was aged 7 and 8.
New Allegations and Potential Implications
During the hearing, new accusations emerged, including a claim from the parents of a 16-year-old girl who stated that Busfield had sexually assaulted her while auditioning years ago. Additionally, actress Claudia Christian accused him of forcibly assaulting her during a film shoot in 1991.
Busfield’s Statements
Busfield has publicly stated his innocence, claiming he drove 2,000 miles to New Mexico to address the allegations. He maintains that the accusations are false and that he intends to contest the charges. Following the allegations, he was removed from the cast of the romantic comedy You Deserve Each Other and a guest spot on Law & Order: SVU has been shelved.
Conclusion
The case continues to develop as Busfield remains in custody, and the court weighs the arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The next steps will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the allegations against this prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
