Actor Timothy Busfield must stay behind bars while New Mexico prosecutors pursue multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving minors, a judge ruled Wednesday.
At a Glance
- Busfield, 67, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child sex abuse in Albuquerque
- Prosecutors added an uncharged claim that he kissed and fondled a 16-year-old girl in California several years ago
- He will remain jailed without bond until a detention hearing within five business days
- Why it matters: The ruling keeps the Emmy-winning actor detained as investigators examine accusations from three alleged underage victims
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera ordered the detention after a brief hearing in which Busfield did not enter a plea. The decision came hours after prosecutors filed a seven-page motion arguing he poses a danger if released.
New Allegation Emerges
In the filing, state attorneys revealed that the father of a California teenager contacted Albuquerque police Tuesday. The man said Busfield kissed his 16-year-old daughter and touched her intimate parts “several years ago.” The actor, according to the document, “begged the family” to delay reporting the incident if he entered therapy. No charges have been filed in that matter.
Busfield’s attorney did not respond to questions about the new claim.
Alleged Abuse on TV Set
The current criminal case centers on two boys who worked as background actors on Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady,” filmed in Albuquerque. A 12-page complaint states the boys, identified by initials, told police Busfield touched them inappropriately on multiple occasions between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Key details from the complaint:
- One boy said he was 7 when the first incident occurred and 8 at the time of the second
- The contact included touching intimate parts over clothing
- Parents became suspicious after the children were not asked back for the show’s final season
During a November interview, Busfield told investigators he likely picked up and tickled the boys, describing the set as playful. He also claimed an unnamed cast member warned him the boys’ mother sought revenge because her children were not rehired. That actor never spoke to detectives, the complaint notes.
Studio Investigation Found Nothing
Warner Bros., which co-produced the series, hired Solomon Law to investigate. Attorney Christina McGovern said she interviewed multiple witnesses and found “no corroborating evidence that Mr. Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct or that he was ever alone” with the accusers on set.
Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police Tuesday after a warrant was issued. Online records show he was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center that afternoon.
Career and Family
Busfield won an Emmy for playing advertising executive Elliot Weston on ABC’s “Thirtysomething” and portrayed reporter Danny Concannon on NBC’s “The West Wing.” He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, former president of the Screen Actors Guild and star of “Little House on the Prairie.”
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time,” her representative Ame Van Iden said Tuesday, adding that Gilbert will make no further statements at the request of Busfield’s legal team.
Next Steps
A detention hearing must occur within five business days, according to Judge Blea-Rivera’s order. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue additional charges related to the California allegation.
Key Takeaways
- Busfield remains jailed without bond as the New Mexico case proceeds
- Prosecutors disclosed a previously unreported claim involving a California teenager
- Warner Bros.’ internal review found no evidence supporting the on-set accusations
- His wife, Melissa Gilbert, says she supports him and will speak publicly later
