Timothy Busfield Released from Jail Pending Child Sexual Abuse Trial
Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-winning actor and director, has been released from jail as he awaits trial on charges of child sexual abuse. A New Mexico judge allowed Busfield’s release after a detention hearing on January 20, 2026, where he faced serious allegations involving 11-year-old twin boys.
Details of the Charges
Busfield, 68, is facing two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. Authorities allege he abused the twin boys on the set of *The Cleaning Lady*, a TV series he directed. The alleged crimes date from 2022 to 2024.
Timeline of Events
- November 2024: Investigation begins after a doctor reports suspected sexual abuse.
- January 20, 2026: Busfield appears in court for a detention hearing.
During the investigation, the boys initially reported inappropriate behavior but did not disclose any specific sexual abuse claims until later. According to court documents, one boy stated that Busfield touched him inappropriately multiple times.
Busfield’s Defense
Timothy Busfield has denied all allegations against him. His attorney submitted a 237-page motion claiming that the children’s mother sought revenge after her sons were replaced during filming. The defense also pointed to Busfield’s passing of a polygraph test and a psychological evaluation indicating no sexual attraction to minors.
Conditions of Release
Judge David Murphy set specific conditions for Busfield’s release, including:
- No alcohol or illegal drugs.
- No contact with witnesses.
- No unsupervised contact with minors.
There are no restrictions on his travel, as Busfield resides in New York. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, attended the hearing and expressed her emotional relief following the judge’s decision.
Recent Allegations
New allegations have emerged since the initial charges. Prosecutors referenced an incident involving a 16-year-old girl during an audition at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California. The girl reported inappropriate contact from Busfield, which occurred several years ago.
Busfield’s Response
Following the allegations, Busfield stated he traveled to Albuquerque to “confront these lies.” He remains adamant about his innocence and has vowed to fight the accusations. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and new developments continue to arise as investigations progress.
