Timothy Busfield Denied Bail in New Mexico Child Sex Abuse Case
A New Mexico judge denied bail for actor Timothy Busfield on multiple child sex abuse charges during his initial court appearance. Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera ordered him to remain in custody ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29, following his surrender to authorities the previous day.
Background on Charges Against Timothy Busfield
Timothy Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He proclaimed his innocence through his attorney, claiming the allegations are entirely false. Busfield voluntarily underwent a polygraph test, which he reportedly passed.
Busfield’s legal team plans to argue for his release, while prosecutors aim to keep him detained, expressing concerns about his potential threat to children. District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized that Busfield poses a serious risk to the community based on his alleged conduct.
Details of the Allegations
- Allegations surfaced following a police investigation initiated on November 1, 2024.
- A child reported inappropriate contact by Busfield, occurring on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.”
- It is claimed that the inappropriate touching happened multiple times when the child was 7 and 8 years old.
Warner Bros. Investigation
An independent investigation by Warner Bros. found no corroborating evidence to support the claims against Busfield. They have committed to cooperating with ongoing legal efforts and expressed their priority for the safety of their cast and crew, especially minors.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, has stated that the case is driven by personal motives rather than fact. He indicated that the accusations may have arisen from a grudge held by a family member involved in the incidents. The defense and prosecution continue to prepare for the next steps in this high-profile case.
Potential Outcomes for Bail Hearing
The upcoming bail hearing may involve various outcomes, including the possibility of Busfield’s release under certain conditions, such as surrendering his passport or electronic monitoring if deemed a flight risk.
As the case develops, Busfield already faces significant public scrutiny, as his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has opted to remain silent publicly while supporting her husband during this challenging time.
