Timothy Busfield’s Legal Troubles Continue
Timothy Busfield’s legal team contends that the parents of his child sexual abuse accusers have a “notable history of fraud and dishonesty.” Ronald Rodis and Angel LaSalle, the parents of the twin boys involved, allegedly filed charges against Busfield with a “clear financial and retaliatory motive,” according to documents revealed by Fox News Digital.
The 68-year-old actor surrendered and was subsequently held without bail on charges including two counts of sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
Release from Custody
During a pretrial hearing in New Mexico, Busfield’s attorneys argued that the charges against him relied heavily on a biased parental narrative. They insisted that the couple’s claims surfaced only after their children lost acting roles and sought guidance from civil lawyers. Such circumstances, they argued, suggest a financial motive intertwined with the parents’ documented past of dishonesty.
Busfield’s lawyers highlighted Rodis’s troubling history as a former attorney who faced federal conspiracy and wire fraud charges, resulting in his disbarment and a prison sentence for a fraudulent mortgage modification scheme.
Claims of Retaliation
Amber Feyerberg, representing Busfield, argued for his release, portraying him as a victim of revenge orchestrated by Rodis and LaSalle. She claimed that while the twins were indeed victimized, it was by their parents, not Busfield. They had lost their licenses to practice law, which left them in a dire financial situation.
In support of Busfield, 87 letters from community members were submitted, emphasizing his character. The state, however, expressed concerns regarding his potential influence over witnesses, as well as his failure to comply with previous court orders.
Incident Details
The allegations state that during the filming of “Cleaning Women,” the twins accused a director, reportedly Busfield, of inappropriately touching them. One twin claimed the incidents occurred in a private setting, while the other noted signs of “grooming” were recognized by healthcare professionals.
Despite the serious nature of the claims, Judge Murphy ruled that Busfield could be released on his own recognizance, provided he adhered to specific conditions, including no contact with minors and maintaining a silence about the case with witnesses. The next court date is scheduled for February 4.
Prior Accusations and Outcome
Prosecutors pointed to a prior incident involving actress Claudia Christian, who alleged Busfield assaulted her during the filming of “The Strays.” This history of accusations has raised red flags for some.
In light of the various factors, including a low-risk evaluation from a psychosexual assessment performed prior to his arrest, Busfield’s situation remains complex. He faces serious legal consequences, with potential sentences amounting to 15 years if convicted of the charges against him.
