Prosecutors Seek Pretrial Detention for Timothy Busfield Over Misconduct Allegations
Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, recently appeared in court following allegations of child sex abuse. The charges stem from incidents reported during the filming of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Charges and Allegations Against Timothy Busfield
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Busfield, who is 68 years old, last week. He faces:
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor
- One count of child abuse
According to a criminal complaint, these alleged acts occurred while Busfield was directing the series. His attorney, Larry Stein, maintains that the claims are unfounded and that Busfield has voluntarily passed a polygraph examination regarding these allegations.
Prosecutors’ Request for Pretrial Detention
Prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention for Busfield. They cite a “history of alleged sexual misconduct” and a documented pattern of abusive behavior over the past two decades. Their motion states that witnesses have expressed concerns about retaliation and professional harm if they come forward.
New allegations emerged when a father reported an incident involving his then-16-year-old daughter, who was auditioning at the B Street Theatre, founded by Busfield. The father claimed Busfield kissed and inappropriately touched his daughter several years ago. The father, a therapist, also noted that Busfield begged the family not to report the incident if he received therapy.
Background and Response
Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert and is recognized for roles in “The West Wing” and “Field of Dreams.” He is committed to fighting the charges against him. In a video statement before turning himself in, he labeled the accusations as lies.
The B Street Theatre, while confirming Busfield’s founding role, stated he has not been involved in its operations since 2001 and declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
The motion to detain Busfield references the potential for offenders to evade justice, specifically highlighting that individuals in positions of authority can pose additional risks to children. A judge will ultimately decide on the prosecution’s request, with a detention hearing still pending.
As the situation unfolds, prosecutors noted concerns regarding Busfield’s actions, including releasing a video to the media, which they argue indicates a focus on public relations rather than compliance with legal processes. The allegations detail instances where young victims reportedly felt intimidated due to Busfield’s authority as director, fearing backlash if they spoke out.
In an investigation initiated in November 2024, a complaint was made by medical professionals after the children’s parents sought legal advice. Busfield has denied all allegations and contends that these are fabricated, suggesting motives of revenge from the victims’ family.
The publicist for Gilbert stated that she would not be making public statements at this time but supports her husband. The situation continues to develop as details emerge, and the legal process unfolds in the coming weeks.
