In brief
Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been ordered held without bond following allegations that he inappropriately touched minors while directing a television series in New Mexico. The case involves claims from two boys, supported by recovered therapy session records, and Busfield's attorneys are challenging the accusations, citing previous investigations that found them unsupported. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, may testify in the upcoming hearing.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Actor Timothy Busfield is set to appear in New Mexico court facing child sex abuse charges related to accusations he inappropriately touched minors during his role as director on a television series. Busfield, recognized for his performances in 'The West Wing' and 'Field of Dreams,' was ordered held without bond during his first court appearance following an arrest warrant issued by Albuquerque police.The allegations, which include multiple counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, claim that the incidents occurred on the set of the series 'The Cleaning Lady.' A criminal complaint outlines that a 7-year-old child reported inappropriate touching by Busfield, with subsequent allegations from the boy's twin brother, who also indicated an experience of abuse but was reticent to disclose specifics at the time.Busfield has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as falsehoods and suggesting that he may provide evidence to support his claims. Ahead of the hearing, his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, is listed as a potential witness.In defense of Busfield, his legal team has submitted audio recordings from initial police interviews where the children reportedly did not assert that Busfield engaged in inappropriate touching. They argue that this denial indicates a lack of evidence against him and characterize the claims as potentially retaliatory, arising after the children lost their roles in the series.Legal experts mention that New Mexico courts are unique in permitting polygraph testimony in criminal cases, which might be pivotal in the proceedings. Busfield's character has been attested to by letters from supporters, and he reportedly passed an independent polygraph test that could influence judicial perceptions of his innocence during the ongoing legal discourse.
