Timothy Busfield’s Legal Standoff Over Child Molestation Charges
Attorneys for Timothy Busfield, the Emmy Award-winning actor, claimed in court on Friday that an independent investigation contradicts the state’s allegations against him. They argued he should be released as his accuser’s parents have a background of fraud and misconduct, and they also passed a polygraph test.
Busfield was ordered to be held without bail during his initial court hearing on Wednesday, following his surrender concerning allegations of inappropriate contact with a minor on the set of a television series he directed in New Mexico.
A judge is set to conduct a detention hearing on Tuesday to decide if Busfield should continue to be held in custody.
Albuquerque police had issued arrest warrants against him last week for two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
The criminal complaint alleges the incident occurred on the set of the series “Cleaning Women,” filmed in Albuquerque.
In a video message shared before his surrender, Busfield maintained that the allegations were untrue. He is well-known for his roles in shows like The West Wing and Field of Dreams, and is married to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert.
The complaint details a report from the child, stating Busfield allegedly touched her private parts over her clothes when she was between 7 and 8 years old. Additionally, her twin brother claimed he had experienced similar contact but didn’t specify the details; he feared getting in trouble.
Busfield’s attorney noted that the allegations arose after the boys lost their roles in the show, implying possible financial and retaliatory motives behind the claims. They presented a history of fraud involving the children’s parents.
Moreover, a Warner Bros. investigation previously looked into these accusations but did not lead to criminal charges, indicating that the claims were without merit.
According to court documents, independent witnesses supported the investigation’s findings. Busfield also provided a character reference letter, and his attorney mentioned that his successful polygraph test matched other evidence submitted to the court.
Legal experts pointed out that New Mexico is among the few states that permit polygraph results in criminal proceedings, though judges ultimately decide their admissibility. Meeting strict criteria for inclusion is a must.
