Lawyers say investigation undermines child sex abuse charges against 'West Wing' actor Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert's husband
Share this @internewscast.com

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Attorneys representing Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield have argued for his release as he awaits the resolution of child sex abuse charges. They claim an independent investigation casts doubt on the state’s case, the accusers’ parents have a track record of fraud, and Busfield successfully passed a polygraph test.

Busfield was denied bail following his first court appearance on Wednesday, which came a day after he surrendered to face charges related to allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor during the production of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico.

A judge is scheduled to conduct a detention hearing on Tuesday to decide if Busfield will continue to be held in custody.

Last week, Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on charges including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The criminal complaint alleges these incidents took place on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” filmed in Albuquerque.

Busfield, who is married to actress Melissa Gilbert and renowned for roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” has publicly denied the accusations, labeling them as false in a video prior to his surrender.

The criminal complaint details statements from a police investigator, revealing that the child involved reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield over clothing on two occasions, once at the age of 7 and again at age 8.

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.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Sinister web unravels after massive FBI bust of Mexican Mafia crooks -- with kingpin 'Gangster' at the helm

FBI’s Major Operation Dismantles Mexican Mafia Network, Revealing Leader “Gangster” in Command

Luis Cardenas, known as “Gangster,” is a convicted murderer who, despite being…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
NTSB report details how controller decision and tech failures led to deadly runway collision

NTSB Report Reveals Controller Decisions and Technical Failures Contributed to Fatal Runway Collision

A recent federal investigation has uncovered a series of safety lapses that…
Pentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO, other steps over Iran rift

Pentagon Contemplates NATO Shake-Up: Spain’s Membership at Risk Amid Iran Dispute

An internal email from the Pentagon has unveiled potential strategies for the…
Former North Carolina police officer arrested for allegedly planning mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Detained for Suspected Plot to Stage Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina has been apprehended in Florida…
US soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke charged with using intel to win $400K Polymarket bet on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro raid

US Soldier Accused of Leveraging Military Intel for $400K Polymarket Bet on Venezuelan President Raid

WASHINGTON — A member of the U.S. special forces has been indicted…
Rare moment caught on camera as three tornadoes touch down in California

Unprecedented Capture: Trio of Tornadoes Simultaneously Touch Down in California

On Tuesday, California’s Central Valley experienced a rare surge of tornado activity,…
Distinguished ex-cop arrested for 'mass shooting' plot to gun down black people at New Orleans festival

Former High-Ranking Officer Detained in Alleged Plot Targeting New Orleans Festival Attendees

A former police officer from North Carolina, once recognized as “Officer of…
Man charged after allegedly kicking at airline staff, biting passenger on Australian-bound flight

Man Faces Charges for Alleged Assault on Australian-Bound Flight, Involving Airline Staff and Fellow Passenger

A 45-year-old man from Queanbeyan faces charges following an incident on a…
Decades-old cold case breakthrough leads to arrest in execution-style killings of married couple before child

Cold Case Cracked: Arrest Made in Chilling Execution-Style Murder of Couple in Front of Child

A breakthrough has been achieved in a decades-old cold case as a…
St. Johns County man convicted of capital sexual battery, state attorney says

Breaking News: St. Johns County Man Found Guilty of Capital Sexual Battery – State Attorney Confirms

A 22-year-old man from St. Johns County has been found guilty of…
Odds for California governor sway massively after snorefest debate

California Governor Race Heats Up as Debate Shifts Betting Odds Dramatically

Last night’s gubernatorial debate in California appears to have shifted the momentum…