Timothy Busfield Indicted for Child Sex Abuse in New Mexico
A grand jury in New Mexico has indicted Timothy Busfield, a well-known actor and director, on charges of child sex abuse. The prosecution has brought four counts of criminal sexual contact concerning minors, according to the Bernalillo County district attorney’s office.
Charges Against Timothy Busfield
Busfield, recognized for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” faces serious accusations. The charges relate to incidents involving two child actors, who are brothers, during his work on the Fox crime drama “The Cleaning Lady.” The specific allegations include inappropriate touching when the actors were just seven and eight years old.
Details of the Indictment
- Four counts of criminal sexual contact with minors
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
- One count of child abuse
Legal Representation and Response
Busfield’s attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, commented on the indictment. He stated that it was anticipated but claimed the case lacks sufficient evidence to proceed. Stein suggested that the prosecution may be motivated by factors unrelated to factual evidence.
“Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage,” Stein declared. He emphasized the importance of presenting the case in an open court.
Prosecution Statements
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman confirmed that the case is set to move forward. The prosecution will be handled by the special victims unit of the district attorney’s office. Bregman indicated that the evidence will be thoroughly examined in court.
Background on the Case
The indictment followed a warrant issued by a New Mexico judge. It was based on an affidavit that detailed Busfield’s alleged inappropriate behavior on set. Busfield allegedly suggested that the boys’ mother might have sought revenge against him regarding their roles in the show.
Timothy Busfield turned himself in shortly after the warrant was issued. He denied the charges, stating, “I did not do anything to those little boys.” Following his surrender, he was jailed but released on his own recognizance.
Family Support and Community Reaction
During the release hearing, Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, expressed her relief when the judge decided to grant bail. Following the hearing, she shared her thoughts on social media regarding the situation, indicating a desire to prioritize what matters most during these challenging times.
As the case progresses, the circumstances surrounding the allegations against Timothy Busfield will continue to unfold in the legal arena. Both his defense team and the prosecution are bracing for a trial that will delve into the complexities of the accusations made against the actor.
