From Jail Cell to Luxury Mansion: Timothy Busfield's Dramatic First Night of Freedom
Embattled actor Timothy Busfield experienced a stark contrast in accommodation as he spent his initial night of freedom in a lavish six-bedroom mansion, following his release from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 68-year-old veteran performer, who had been held for a week, transitioned from the restrictive housing unit of the jail to the opulent surroundings of the Villa de Rafael, an Italian-style property set on an acre of meticulously landscaped gardens.
A World Apart from Prison Conditions
While the New Mexico detention facility is notorious for its early morning wake-up calls at 5am for breakfast and sparsely furnished cells, Busfield's temporary residence represents a completely different reality. The Villa de Rafael, available for rental at $2,483 for a minimum three-night stay, boasts seven lavishly decorated bathrooms and features its own private hot tub for guest enjoyment.
The stunning property includes a standalone 'casita' structure in the backyard, while the main house impresses with a spectacular stained-glass window dome and comfortable beds made up with what the rental description terms 'high quality linens'. Additional amenities available to guests include a gas-fired barbecue, an extensive library collection, and a fully stocked games room for entertainment.
Wife's Emotional Support and Courtroom Appearance
Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, was observed at the property early Wednesday morning, taking out the trash while wearing her pajamas. The 61-year-old Little House on the Prairie star had displayed visible emotion in court the previous day, weeping tears of joy when Judge David Murphy decided to release her husband on his own recognizance.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations against Busfield, Gilbert has chosen to stand firmly by her husband, arriving at Tuesday's court hearing accompanied by a team of legal representatives. She had maintained a low public profile since news emerged of the charges against Busfield but broke her silence through an impassioned letter submitted to Judge Murphy ahead of the hearing.
Gilbert's Heartfelt Plea to the Court
In her written communication to the court, the thrice-married actress expressed deep personal conviction about her husband's character. 'The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,' Gilbert wrote. '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 continued with emotional intensity, stating: 'I can tell you, and anyone, that I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has. Conversely, he knows me in the same way. Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known. He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others. He starts every day with kindness and compassion.'
The actress concluded her letter with a poignant appeal: 'I am trying to tow a line between logic and all the feelings swirling through me. I began this letter with logic, but now the feelings have taken over. I can't help it. I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart, I am relying on you to protect him for me.'
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
Following the hearing, during which prosecutors argued unsuccessfully to keep Busfield detained on grounds of potential danger to the public, Gilbert publicly thanked supporters for what she described as an 'outpouring of support' for her husband. This expression of public backing contrasted sharply with defense arguments that the molestation charges had effectively 'canceled' Busfield, diminishing any position of power he might previously have held.
The case has generated numerous embarrassing headlines for the actor, with additional alleged victims reportedly coming forward to support prosecution claims of 'a pattern of inappropriate touching'. Court documents filed ahead of the release hearing included intimate details about the couple's relationship as part of a sex offender risk evaluation, noting that both Busfield and Gilbert reported having a satisfying sexual relationship.
Background to the Allegations
News of Busfield's legal troubles first surfaced on January 9 when Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant concerning allegations that he molested twin 11-year-old boys during filming of The Cleaning Lady. After initially disappearing for several days, Busfield drove approximately 2,000 miles from his upstate New York cabin to surrender to authorities in New Mexico on January 13.
The actor was formally charged the same day and made his initial court appearance on January 14, appearing solemn in an orange prison jumpsuit as the charges were read aloud. Busfield has consistently denied all allegations against him, telling TMZ in a video message sent while en route to surrender that he felt 'devastated' by the accusations.
Gilbert has made her position clear, expressing firm disbelief in her husband's guilt, while defense attorneys have suggested the case represents a form of retaliation launched after the boys' services were no longer required on the film set. The legal proceedings continue as Busfield enjoys temporary freedom in luxurious surroundings markedly different from his recent jail accommodation.
