Court Determines Timothy Busfield’s Detention in Child Sex Abuse Case

Timothy Busfield faces serious child sex abuse charges in New Mexico but will not be detained until his trial. Judge David Murphy ruled on Tuesday to grant Busfield’s release, dismissing concerns that the actor poses a danger to the public. The ruling came during a pretrial detention hearing in Albuquerque.

Details of the Court Hearing

Busfield, appearing in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs, attended the hearing with local defense lawyers. His wife, Melissa Gilbert, was present, having previously submitted a letter supporting her husband. Busfield is required to be present for all future court hearings but is not restricted in his travel within or outside New Mexico.

Conditions of Release

• No unsupervised contact with minors involved in the case.
• No contact with the alleged victims or their families.
• Prohibition on discussing the case with witnesses.

Background of Charges

On January 9, 2023, Timothy Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with minors and child abuse. The allegations stem from incidents involving two minor boys during the production of “The Cleaning Lady,” a Fox/Warner Bros series in which he directed several episodes from 2022 to 2025.

Following his arrest, Busfield was initially denied bail. He appeared remotely in court on January 14, shortly after which his representation by Innovative Artists agency ended.

Judge’s Rationale

Judge David Murphy noted he found no compelling evidence suggesting Busfield is a repeat offender. He dismissed the prosecution’s reference to previous but uncharged claims from 1994 and 2012, stating there were no allegations of similar conduct involving children in Busfield’s past.

Defense Arguments

During the hearing, Busfield’s attorney, Amber Fayerberg, argued for his release on the grounds that the evidence against him is lacking. She contended that the allegations were manufactured, stemming from the plaintiffs’ motivations rather than reality.

Fayerberg emphasized the questionable behavior of the boys’ parents, asserting that they exploited the situation for financial gain. She described the evidence as showing that the boys had not initially made serious allegations and that the claims evolved significantly over time.

Reactions in Court

Relief was visible on Gilbert’s face as she witnessed the ruling, despite the serious nature of the situation. Busfield responded to questioning from Judge Murphy and stated he had no questions about the proceedings.

Conclusions and Next Steps

Moving forward, Timothy Busfield’s case remains a focal point, as the court proceedings unfold. His next steps will depend on adherence to the conditions set by the judge, and the case continues to evolve with public interest.