Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday after surrendering to face child sex abuse charges. The allegations involve inappropriate touching of a minor during the filming of a TV series in New Mexico.
Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert and known for his roles in shows like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” was held without bond following his appearance via video link from jail. A detention hearing will determine if he remains in custody within five business days.
Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield last week on charges of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. The incidents are said to have occurred on the set of the series “The Cleaning Lady.”
Despite the charges, Busfield has denied the allegations, calling them lies in a video shared before his surrender. Prosecutors are seeking to keep him in custody, citing a history of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority spanning two decades.
The prosecution has highlighted concerns about witness fear of retaliation and Busfield’s potential to evade accountability due to his status and influence. A judge will decide on the detention request, as the case progresses towards a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29.
The criminal complaint details incidents where Busfield allegedly touched a child multiple times in private areas, causing the child to remain silent out of fear. The boy’s twin brother also reported being touched but did not disclose details to avoid trouble.
The investigation began in November 2024 following a report to Child Protective Services by the twins’ mother. Despite denials from Busfield and his legal team, prosecutors argue that key witnesses were not consulted during the investigation.
Busfield’s legal team claims an independent investigation by Warner Bros. found no evidence of inappropriate behavior. However, the prosecution stresses the importance of considering all relevant witnesses to ensure justice is served.
