Hollywood actress Melissa Gilbert is expected to appear as a witness during a crucial detention hearing in New Mexico this Tuesday. The hearing concerns her husband, Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield, who is facing multiple serious charges related to child sex abuse allegations.
Serious Allegations Against Veteran Actor
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in acclaimed television series including "The West Wing" and "Thirtysomething," as well as the film "Field of Dreams," was ordered held without bond last week during his initial court appearance. The charges stem from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a television series he was directing.
Details of the Criminal Complaint
According to official court documents, Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield earlier this month. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The criminal complaint alleges the incidents occurred on the set of the series "The Cleaning Lady," which was filmed in Albuquerque and directed by Busfield.
The complaint states that one child reported Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing on two separate occasions—once when he was seven years old and again when he was eight. The boy's twin brother also told authorities he was touched by Busfield, though he did not specify where, explaining he remained silent because he feared getting into trouble.
Defence Arguments and Counterclaims
Busfield's legal team has mounted a vigorous defence, submitting two brief audio recordings of initial police interviews in which the children reportedly state Busfield did not touch them in private areas. The defence argues in court filings that these statements represent "unequivocal denials" rather than failures to disclose abuse, a distinction they claim is legally significant.
The defence has further suggested the allegations emerged only after the boys lost their roles in the television show, implying potential financial or retaliatory motives. Court documents detail what the attorneys describe as a history of fraud involving both parents of the children. They also cite an internal investigation by Warner Bros. that reportedly found the allegations to be unfounded.
Character References and Polygraph Evidence
In support of their client, Busfield's attorneys have submitted numerous letters vouching for his character. They also claim he has passed an independent polygraph test. Legal experts note that New Mexico is among a minority of states that permit polygraph evidence in criminal cases, though judges maintain final authority over its admissibility, which is subject to strict procedural requirements.
The criminal complaint reveals that one of the boys first disclosed the alleged inappropriate touching during a therapy session. These therapeutic records were subsequently obtained by police during their investigation.
Potential Witness Testimony
Melissa Gilbert, who gained fame playing Laura Ingalls in the beloved television series "Little House on the Prairie," appears on the official list of potential witnesses submitted ahead of Tuesday's hearing. Busfield himself has publicly called the allegations lies, making this statement in a video shared online before he voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
The detention hearing represents a critical juncture in this high-profile case, determining whether Busfield will remain in custody as legal proceedings continue to unfold.
