Prosecutor Dismisses Lie Detector, Warns Timothy Busfield May Reoffend

A recent court hearing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, involved serious allegations against actor Timothy Busfield, known for his role in “Thirtysomething.” Prosecutors have dismissed the relevance of a lie detector test that Busfield passed, citing concerns about his potential to reoffend.

Legal Proceedings Against Timothy Busfield

District Judge David A. Murray presided over the case, where Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch articulated her concerns regarding Busfield’s past. The 68-year-old actor faces accusations of child sexual abuse stemming from alleged incidents with young actors from the show “The Cleaning Lady.”

Allegations and Historical Context

• Timothy Busfield is accused of inappropriate touching, described as involving the “poop” and “pee” areas of a child.
• Concerns stem from previous uncharged allegations in 1994, 2012, and over 30 years ago.
• Brandenburg-Koch noted that 80% of child victims delay disclosure of abuse.

The prosecutor remarked on the likelihood of Busfield reoffending, while the defense argued that initial conversations with police revealed no abuse. Defense attorney Christopher Dodd criticized the prosecution’s portrayal as suggesting Busfield’s guilt prior to trial.

Witness Testimonies

During the hearing, cinematographer Alan Caudillo supported Busfield, commenting on aggressive parental behavior but denying any knowledge of abuse. He expressed discomfort with the boys’ parents, particularly after their children were let go from the show, where they earned $60,000 per episode.

Melissa Gilbert, Busfield’s wife, attended the hearing, demonstrating familial support amid ongoing legal troubles. The actor is currently held without bond at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.

Reactions and Implications

Busfield’s defense has challenged the credibility of the allegations, linking them to financial motivations from the children’s parents. They have framed the case as lacking solid evidence, arguing that the claims are refuted by previous investigations.

Additionally, the Assistant DA criticized the investigation conducted by “The Cleaning Lady” producers, which she called “minimal.” She argued that because Busfield did not provide raw data from the lie detector test, its admissibility is questionable.

Community Safety Concerns

The state aims to keep Busfield in custody, asserting that his release poses a danger to the community. Judge Murray is expected to make a ruling regarding Busfield’s pretrial detention soon.

Consequences of the allegations have already impacted Busfield’s career. He has been cut from upcoming projects, including an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” and a film titled “You Deserve Each Other,” following the revelation of these serious accusations.