Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been granted pretrial release from a New Mexico detention facility while awaiting proceedings on serious child sexual abuse charges. The 68-year-old performer, known for his roles in ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Field of Dreams,’ faces allegations of sexually abusing two minor boys on the set of the television series ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ which he directed and produced.
Judge David A. Murphy authorized Busfield’s release on his own recognizance without requiring bail, though he must appear at all future court dates. The decision prompted an emotional reaction from Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, who broke down in tears upon hearing the ruling in the Albuquerque courtroom.
The prosecution had vigorously argued for continued detention, citing what they described as a ‘pattern’ of inappropriate behavior that culminated during the production of the New Mexico-filmed series. Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch challenged the defense’s psychological assessments, stating, ‘It doesn’t matter who he’s attracted to. We know that all different types of sex offenders prey on different demographics of people.’
Busfield’s defense team, led by attorneys Amber Fayerberg and Larry Stein, presented over 70 character references and disclosed that the actor had undergone and passed a polygraph test related to the allegations. Fayerberg argued that Busfield had effectively been ‘cancelled’ already—dropped by his talent agency and edited out of an upcoming romantic comedy—despite maintaining his innocence.
The defense contends the allegations were ‘manufactured’ as an act of revenge after the children were terminated from the series. Fayerberg asserted, ‘There is a credible story here, and it’s a very sad story, and there are victims… But they weren’t victimized by Tim Busfield. They were victimized by their own parents.’
According to court documents, the boys alleged Busfield engaged in inappropriate touching that began when one victim was just 7 years old. The actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. As conditions of his release, Busfield is prohibited from discussing the case with witnesses and may not have contact with any minor children involved in the case. No trial date has been set.
