ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Actor Timothy Busfield is embroiled in a legal battle as he faces serious child sex abuse charges stemming from allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors on the set of a TV series. The allegations have brought attention to Busfield's professional and personal life, particularly as his wife, Melissa Gilbert, may take the stand in his upcoming detention hearing.
Busfield, famously known for his roles in 'The West Wing,' 'Field of Dreams,' and 'Thirtysomething,' was ordered to be held without bond following initial court proceedings. He has publicly denied the allegations, branding them as falsehoods in an online address before surrendering to the authorities.
The Albuquerque police issued a warrant early this month, with Busfield charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Allegedly, the incidents occurred on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady,' which Busfield directed and filmed in Albuquerque.
Details from a criminal complaint reveal that one boy claimed Busfield had touched him inappropriately on two occasions when he was younger. Additionally, the boy’s twin brother also reported similar encounters but did not specify the details, indicating fear of consequences as a reason for his silence.
In response, Busfield's defense presented audio recordings from initial police interviews where the children reportedly did not confirm being touched in private areas, countering the narrative that they failed to disclose abuse. The defense argues that this constitutes a clear denial rather than a failure to report misconduct.
Legal representatives for Busfield claim that the allegations surfaced only after the minors left their roles in the series, interpreting this as a retaliatory or financially motivated act. They cite histories of fraud among the children’s family that have raised further questions about the credibility of the claims.
Further complicating the case, Busfield has submitted letters affirming his character and has reportedly passed an independent polygraph examination. However, legal experts indicate that the admissibility of polygraph results in court remains uncertain, as judges have significant discretion over such matters.
