Melissa Gilbert Addresses Timothy Busfield’s Child Charges: ‘Traumatizing Experience’

Melissa Gilbert has broken her silence about the criminal case facing her husband, actor Timothy Busfield. She described the accusations and their aftermath as the most traumatizing experience of their lives.

The television interview

Gilbert spoke with Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos. The interview aired April 6, 2026.

She said the allegations have upended their family and plans. Gilbert confirmed she and Busfield married in 2013.

Details of the indictment

A Bernalillo County grand jury indicted Busfield on Feb. 6, 2026. He faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child in New Mexico.

Prosecutors say the alleged incident occurred on the Albuquerque set of the series The Cleaning Lady. The complaint alleges inappropriate contact with a child actor.

Busfield’s plea and custody status

Busfield pleaded not guilty to all four counts. He denied the allegations when interviewed by investigators.

He turned himself in to New Mexico authorities in January. He was initially held without bond and later released on his own recognizance.

Statements from officials and defense

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said protecting children remains a top priority. His office pledged to pursue justice for alleged victims.

Attorney Larry Stein, speaking for Busfield, said the indictment was not unexpected. Stein criticized the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and vowed to contest the case in open court.

Legal timeline

The defense pointed to alleged gaps exposed during detention proceedings. Busfield’s team says they will challenge the evidence at each stage.

A trial date is tentatively set for May 2027 in New Mexico.

Personal and professional fallout

Gilbert warned that even an acquittal may not erase public perception. She said their life and creative plans have been profoundly altered.

She also made clear that if she believed her husband had harmed a child, she would take decisive action. The couple’s attorney appeared with her during the television appearance.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as the case proceeds through the courts.