Timothy Busfield has entered a not guilty plea regarding several charges of child sexual abuse.
On February 11, he formally submitted his plea, as indicated by court documents from New Mexico. That same day, he opted to waive his right to arraignment and other preliminary proceedings.
A list of witnesses was provided by the prosecution on February 13, and the next hearing—a scheduling conference—is set for March 10.
The 68-year-old actor, known for his role in “Thirty Something,” turned himself in to the authorities on January 13 after being charged with child sexual abuse. At the time, he was held without bail on two counts of sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
Busfield’s lawyer, Larry Stein, expressed in a statement that he believes the case against his client is not strong enough to hold up in court.
“The indictment was expected. As the saying goes, grand juries can indict anyone,” Stein mentioned.
He went further to suggest that it’s troubling that the district attorney is pursuing a case he views as fundamentally flawed. “Mr. Busfield intends to challenge the charges at every turn and looks forward to presenting his case in an open courtroom, where evidence counts, rather than in private,” he added.
Recently, law enforcement issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest concerning alleged misconduct while serving as a director on the set of “Cleaning Women.”
He was released on January 20, with a judge stating, “He will be released on his own recognizance, provided he attends all upcoming court dates. He is not breaking any laws.” However, there were conditions—he cannot discuss the case with witnesses and must avoid any contact with minors.
In related allegations, two 11-year-old twins have claimed they were inappropriately touched on the “Cleaning Women” set by a director who asked them to call him “Uncle Tim,” as per arrest warrants reviewed.
The investigation into these charges began on November 1, 2024, after a medical professional at the University of New Mexico Hospital brought concerns over potential sexual abuse to the attention of police.
Busfield faces two counts of sexual contact with a minor, as well as one count of child abuse. According to Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, New Mexico laws could impose up to six years in prison for each instance of criminal sexual contact and up to three years for child abuse.
