Actor-director Timothy Busfield appeared in court Tuesday (January 20) for a pre-trial hearing on charges of child sex abuse.
One week after turning himself in to authorities, “Thirtysomething” actor Timothy Busfield, who is married to “Little House On The Prairie” star Melissa Gilbert, was released from jail. Busfield was taken into custody on January 13 on allegations of child sexual abuse involving two boys he directed in the FOX series “The Cleaning Lady.”
According to the arrest warrant, the boys’ mother alleges that Busfield inappropriately touched her children on the set of the series in 2022. An investigation into the claims led to a warrant being issued for the actor’s arrest. He has been in police custody since he turned himself in.
Timothy Busfield’s Pre-Trial Hearing
A pre-trial detention hearing was held in a New Mexico courtroom on Tuesday to determine whether Timothy Busfield would be released from custody to await trial. Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, step-son Michael Boxleitner, mother-in-law Barbara Cowen, and brother Buck Busfield were all in attendance.
For two hours, the prosectors and the defense presented their cases to the judge. Busfield’s attorney, Amber Fayerberg, presented a convincing case that debunked most of the accusations the prosecutors brought against the Emmy Award-winning actor.
In her presentation, Fayerberg presented a recording of an interview the authorities conducted with the alleged victims. In the clip, one of the children denied that Busfield had engaged in inappropriate touching.
She added that an actress who worked on “The Cleaning Lady” said the boys’ mother vowed retaliation if her children were replaced on the show. Neither of the boys was hired for the final season.
The defense team also presented facts about the alleged victims’ father. They told the judge that the father is a barred attorney who pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and wire fraud in 2016.
What’s Next For Timothy Busfield
The judge ruled for Busfield to be released without bond. He is free to leave the state to await trial, but will be under the supervision of Pretrial Services in New Mexico.
“Given the lack of a pattern involving children in this case, I think that can be remedied through different conditions of release,” the judge told the courtroom. “I don’t find that there’s been sufficient presentation that this defendant may commit new crimes if released pending trial. There’s no evidence of a pattern of criminal conduct. There are no similar allegations involving children in his past. There’s no evidence of non-compliance with prior court orders.”
“Rather, this defendant self-surrendered and submitted himself to this court’s jurisdiction, demonstrating compliance with the court order for his arrest.”
The release comes with conditions, including orders to appear for all future court dates. He is also not allowed to possess “firearms or dangerous weapons, consume any alcohol or illegal drugs, have contact with the alleged victims or their families, discuss the case with any witnesses, or have unsupervised contact with any minor children.”
Busfield’s wife wept as the judge’s decision was read. At one point, she looked up and said, “Thank you, God!”
Timothy Busfield’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2026.