Timothy Busfield Denies Child sex Abuse Allegations, Held Without Bond
Prosecutors are seeking to detain Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield pending trial following his arrest on charges of child sex abuse, alleging a pattern of misconduct spanning two decades. Busfield, 68, appeared remotely in court on Wednesday from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center after turning himself in to authorities the previous day. He remains in custody as of this report.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated in November 2024, following a report to the Albuquerque Police Department prompted by a recommendation from a law firm and a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Albuquerque police issued a warrant last week on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse related to incidents alleged to have occurred between november 2022 and spring 2024.
“Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains they are fully false,” attorney Larry Stein said in a statement to CBS News. “As a voluntary step, he submitted to an independent polygraph examination regarding those allegations and passed.”
During Wednesday’s court appearance, Busfield was silent and expressionless, dressed in orange prison clothes, while a defense attorney spoke on his behalf.Prosecutors are arguing for Busfield’s continued detention, citing a “history of alleged sexual misconduct.” A motion filed by the prosecution details what they describe as a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior over a period of twenty years. They also stated that witnesses have expressed fear of retaliation and professional harm.
A separate allegation surfaced on the same day Busfield surrendered to authorities. According to Albuquerque Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, a father reported that Busfield kissed and inappropriately touched his then-16-year-old daughter while she was auditioning for a role at B Street Theater, an organization Busfield co-founded in Sacramento, California. The incident allegedly occurred several years ago.The prosecutor stated that Busfield “begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,” and the girl’s father, a therapist himself, initially believed this was the best course of action.
B Street Theatre released a statement to CBS Sacramento clarifying that Busfield has not been actively involved in the theater’s operations since 2001 and declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
The prosecution’s motion argues that individuals with authority, status, or influence are uniquely positioned to evade accountability when accused of offenses against children. “In light of the defendant’s demonstrated disregard for boundaries, authority and compliance, no condition or combination of conditions of release can reasonably protect the victims or the community,” the motion states.
Prosecutors also criticized Busfield for releasing a video to TMZ on Tuesday, suggesting he was prioritizing “personal narrative control and public relations” over adhering to the court process.
Details from the criminal complaint reveal that an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department reported the alleged victim stated Busfield touched him multiple times on his private areas over his clothing when he was 7 years old, and again when he was 8. The child reportedly feared reporting the incidents as Busfield was the director and he worried about repercussions.
The twin brother of the alleged victim also told authorities he was touched by Busfield, though he did not specify where. He stated he remained silent out of fear of getting into trouble. The twins’ mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services.
In a police interview last fall,Busfield denied the allegations and suggested the boys’ mother was motivated by revenge after her children where replaced on the series “the Cleaning Lady,” filmed in Albuquerque,New Mexico. His attorney echoed this argument on Tuesday.
While Busfield’s attorney stated an independent investigation by Warner Bros. found no corroboration of inappropriate behavior, prosecutors contend the investigation failed to interview key witnesses.
Melissa Gilbert, Busfield’s wife, is not currently making public statements. Her publicist, Ame Van Iden, released a statement warning against the circulation of AI-generated deepfakes purporting to be from Gilbert and affirming that she “stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.” She also requested respect for their privacy.
The case remains ongoing, and the outcome of the detention hearing will determine whether Busfield remains in custody as the legal proceedings unfold.
