Actor Timothy Busfield Arrested On Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Timothy Busfield, the husband of Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert, turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department on January 13.
The West Wing actor is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse in connection with alleged misconduct involving child actors during the filming of The Cleaning Lady, according to KOAT.
Busfield surrendered to authorities four days after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The investigation, which began in 2024, stems from allegations made by twin actors who appeared on the Fox series, which Busfield directed.
According to the arrest warrant, the boys, now 11, were just 7 years old at the time the alleged abuse began. The victims’ mother filed a police report in October 2025 and told Child Protective Services (CPS) that “her children both disclosed that there was sexual abuse by Timothy from around November 2022 to Spring 2024.”
Busfield Addresses His Case
Busfield addressed the charges, claiming the allegations were all “lies.”
In a video first obtained by TMZ, he maintains his innocence and tells viewers, “I’m sure most of you know … that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque. I’m here now. I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. On Saturday, I got into a car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque.”
“They’re horrible. They’re all lies. And I did not do anything to those little boys. And I’m gonna fight it,” Busfield continued. “I’m gonna fight it with a great team. And I’m gonna be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Busfield was released from jail on January 20 and now awaits his trial. He is free to leave the state, but will be under the supervision of Pretrial Services in New Mexico.
Melissa Gilbert Responds To Husband’s Charges
Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, has been married to Timothy Busfield since 2013. In response to the allegations against her husband, Gilbert deleted all of her social media accounts.
Amid the allegations, Melissa is reportedly standing by her husband. According to a court filing submitted on January 16 and obtained by Fox News, the 61-year-old is listed as a potential defense witness for Busfield.
The filing also included Busfield’s response opposing the state’s request for pretrial detention and lists 13 potential defense witnesses, including Gilbert. She also reportedly submitted a letter to the judge sharing support for her husband.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family,” Gilbert wrote.
Melissa Gilbert Breaks Her Silence
On Monday (January 26), Gilbert spoke out for the first time following the ordeal. Shared through her company, Modern Prairie, the actress said that she is “sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time.”
“This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again,” Gilbert continued.
She thanked fans for their “love and patience” and explained she would be “easing back into things thoughtfully and with care.”
“Thank you for helping me to feel safer, more grounded, and deeply held by this extraordinary community of women here at Modern Prairie,” Gilbert said.