Timothy Busfield’s Detention Ruled in Child Sex Abuse Case
Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor and director, has been granted release from custody amid serious child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. A pretrial detention hearing took place on Tuesday in Albuquerque, where Judge David Murphy ruled that Busfield would not pose a danger to the community. This decision allows him to remain free as he prepares to face two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse.
Details of the Case Against Busfield
Busfield faces allegations stemming from incidents involving two minor boys during his work on the Fox/Warner Bros series, The Cleaning Lady, where he directed several episodes between 2022 and 2025. He was initially arrested and held without bond at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. A hearing was also held remotely on January 14, shortly after his arrest.
Conditions of Release
- Busfield must attend all future court hearings.
- No unsupervised contact with minors is permitted.
- He is barred from communicating with alleged victims or discussing the case with witnesses.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
During the hearing, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, argued that no conditions could prevent Busfield from being a danger to the community. However, Judge Murphy emphasized a lack of evidence suggesting a pattern of behavior or prior convictions involving children. The judge noted that Busfield voluntarily turned himself in, demonstrating compliance with the court’s jurisdiction.
Busfield’s defense team, led by attorney Amber Fayerberg, argued against the prosecution’s portrayal of him as a threat. Fayerberg suggested that the allegations were influenced by the boys’ parents, claiming they were attempting to manufacture a story for financial gain. She stated, “The bottom line is that the overwhelming evidence is that this didn’t happen.” She also highlighted inconsistencies in the boys’ accounts, raising doubts about the credibility of their testimonies.
Reaction in Court
As the ruling was announced, Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, was visibly emotional. She had previously written a letter to the judge supporting her husband’s release and was present with family members during the hearing. Despite the serious nature of the charges against him, the judge’s decision was a significant relief for Gilbert.
Background on Timothy Busfield
Timothy Busfield is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for his work on shows like The West Wing. However, these recent allegations have cast a shadow over his career, leading to his removal from the talent agency Innovative Artists following the charges. The unfolding legal process will determine his future as he battles these serious accusations.
