Melissa Gilbert’s Husband, 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.”
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The “Little House On The Prairie” Actress Breaks Her Silence
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 standing by her husband. According to a court filing submitted on January 16 and obtained by Fox News, the 61-year-old was 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.
Just a few weeks later, Gilbert spoke out for the first time following the ordeal. Shared through her company, Modern Prairie, the actress said that she was “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.
Melissa Gilbert Addresses Fans, Plans To Return To Work
Earlier this week, Melissa addressed the difficult time her family is facing. She then announced she is returning to her role as the chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand and community.
“As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family,” Gilbert said in the emotional video. “It was time I needed, time to be present, to tend to what matters most and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy. Family is everything to me and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully.”
The former actress thanked the women in her community for showing up for her in the good times and bad, saying that returning to her work does not impact her “commitment” or “resolve” to what remains ahead for her family.
“This time away reminded me of why we built this space in the first place — it’s more than products, it’s more than events, it’s more than a brand,” the 61 year old said. “It’s a lifeline, it’s a connection, it’s strength shared across kitchens, in living rooms, in hospital rooms and long phone calls. It’s dignity, it’s compassion, it’s resolve, and I am so proud to walk forward with you. So let’s get back at it, together.”
According to their company website, “Modern Prairie isn’t just about products or events. It’s about belonging. It’s about reminding women that they are strong, vibrant, and never alone. And it’s about finding joy — even in the little things — together.”