Judge Permits Timothy Busfield’s Release After Child Sex Abuse Arrest

A New Mexico judge has granted actor Timothy Busfield release after his recent arrest on charges of child sex abuse. The actor, best known for his roles in “The West Wing,” was arrested for alleged criminal sexual contact with a minor. Last week, he voluntarily surrendered to authorities and was initially held without bond.

Details of the Case

The ruling, issued by Judge David Murphy after a lengthy detention hearing, allows Busfield to be released on his own recognizance while awaiting trial. During the hearing, the judge noted Busfield’s lack of prior criminal history and his compliance with court orders. He described the current evidence against Busfield as “neutral.”

Allegations and Background

The allegations against Busfield involve inappropriate behavior towards a child actor on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” filmed in Albuquerque. According to court documents, the reported incidents began in 2022 when the child was just seven years old and continued until 2024.

• Allegation Timeline: Reports indicate the abuse began in 2022.
• Vetting of Evidence: The judge acknowledged that the evidence presented by the defense, including testimonies and an independent investigation, did not support the accusations from the alleged victims.

Safety Measures and Support

As a condition of his release, Busfield is prohibited from any contact with the alleged victims or their families. Additionally, he must avoid unsupervised interactions with minors. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, attended the hearing and expressed her emotional support for him. Gilbert provided the court with a letter defending Busfield’s character, stating that he possesses a strong moral compass.

Prosecutors’ Concerns

Prosecutors had argued against Busfield’s release, suggesting he poses a potential risk due to a prior unverified allegation. A report had been made by a father claiming that his 16-year-old daughter experienced inappropriate conduct by Busfield during an audition several years ago.

Busfield’s Defense

Timothy Busfield has not yet entered a plea but denies the allegations made against him. His attorney stated that he voluntarily submitted to a polygraph examination regarding these claims and passed. Along with his wife, 70 letters of support were submitted to the court, including testimonials from close family and colleagues.

The legal proceedings will continue as the case develops. El-Balad will provide updates on Timothy Busfield’s situation as more information becomes available.