Timothy Busfield, the Emmy Award-winning actor, is seeking release from custody while awaiting the resolution of child sex abuse charges against him. His attorneys informed a court that an independent investigation has cast doubt on the state’s allegations, asserting that the parents of the children involved have a background of dishonesty and that Busfield passed a polygraph test.
At his initial court appearance on Wednesday, Busfield was ordered to be held without bond. This came shortly after he surrendered himself to authorities due to allegations involving inappropriate conduct towards a minor during the filming of the television series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The upcoming detention hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine whether Busfield remains incarcerated. He faces charges that include two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations specify that Busfield is accused of touching a child inappropriately on two separate occasions when the child was seven and eight years old, respectively.
In a video released before his surrender, Busfield vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as falsehoods. The actor, recognized for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” is married to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert.
According to the criminal complaint, another child, the boy’s twin brother, reported similar inappropriate contact but did not divulge specific details. He mentioned that he remained silent out of fear of repercussions.
Busfield’s legal team argues that the claims came to light only after the boys lost their roles in the show, suggesting a motive rooted in financial pressures and retaliation. In their court filings, they highlighted a reported history of fraudulent behavior by the parents of the accusers. They referenced an investigation by Warner Bros. that reportedly deemed the allegations unsubstantiated, with independent witnesses allegedly corroborating these findings.
The actor’s attorneys also presented letters affirming his character, alongside the results of the polygraph test, which they believe supports their claims. While New Mexico permits the use of polygraph evidence in criminal cases, inclusion ultimately rests with the presiding judge, who must adhere to rigorous standards for admissibility.
This case highlights the complex dynamics surrounding allegations of abuse, where both the legal processes and personal reputations are at stake. As the legal proceedings unfold, Busfield’s defense continues to maintain that the evidence against him is weak and circumstantial.