ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, finds himself embroiled in serious legal troubles as he faces charges of child sex abuse. His legal team presented a case in court on Friday, arguing for his release while he awaits trial. They cited an independent investigation that casts doubt on the state’s allegations, highlighted a history of deceit and fraud involving the parents of Busfield’s accusers, and noted that the actor successfully passed a polygraph test.
Busfield was taken into custody without bond following his initial court appearance on Wednesday. He had surrendered to authorities on charges that emerged from claims of inappropriate conduct involving a minor on the set of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico.
Next Tuesday, a judge will preside over a detention hearing to decide whether Busfield should remain behind bars as his case proceeds through the legal system.
The Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield last week, charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The accusations stem from incidents alleged to have occurred during the filming of the series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque.
Before his arrest, Busfield spoke out in a video, firmly denouncing the allegations as falsehoods. Known for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” Busfield is also recognized as the husband of actor Melissa Gilbert.
The criminal complaint details that a child reported to an investigator that Busfield touched him inappropriately over his clothing on two separate occasions—once when the child was 7 years old and again at the age of 8. These serious allegations have cast a shadow over Busfield’s career and personal life, as he now faces a challenging legal battle.
The boy’s twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but did not specify where. He said he didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to get in trouble.
Busfield’s attorneys said in court filings that the allegations against him emerged only after the boys lost their role in the TV show, creating a financial and retaliatory motive. The filings detailed what the attorneys said was a history of fraud by both the father and mother.
They cited an investigation by Warner Bros. into the allegations, which they said prosecutors didn’t include in their criminal complaint, found the allegations unfounded. Independent witnesses supported the report’s conclusions, the court filings said.
Busfield also submitted letters vouching for his character. His passing of the polygraph test aligns with the other information submitted, his attorneys said.
Legal experts say New Mexico is among a few states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but a judge has final say over whether one can be used. There are strict requirements for admission.
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