Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been ordered held without bond in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following his arrest on charges related to the alleged abuse of two 11-year-old boys. The court decision comes as further historical allegations of sexual misconduct against the actor have surfaced, even as his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has issued a statement of support.
Court Appearance and Mounting Allegations
During a video-linked court appearance on Wednesday, a judge ruled that Busfield must remain in custody at least until a hearing tentatively set for 20 January. Prosecutors have requested he be detained until trial, though a conditional bond release remains a possibility. The charges stem from a police warrant issued on 9 January, accusing Busfield of two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
The allegations involve twin brothers, identified by initials SL and VL, who worked with Busfield on the set of the Fox television series The Cleaning Lady. Police documents state the boys allege Busfield touched them inappropriately. The actor surrendered to authorities on Tuesday but had previously provided a video statement to TMZ, vehemently denying all accusations. "They're all lies," Busfield said. "I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm going to fight it."
A Pattern of Historical Accusations
Following his arrest, new court filings revealed additional historical accusations. On Tuesday, a man came forward alleging Busfield sexually abused his daughter during an audition at Sacramento's B Street Theatre in 2001, which Busfield co-founded. The matter was reportedly resolved with Busfield attending therapy and the family agreeing not to involve police.
The B Street Theatre confirmed Busfield withdrew after an internal investigation but declined further comment due to the ongoing New Mexico case. Two other prior allegations were referenced in the initial police statement:
- In 1994, a 17-year-old extra on the film Little Big League accused Busfield of assault after he served her alcohol. Busfield countersued for extortion; the case settled privately, but he was ordered to pay $150,000 in costs.
- In 2012, a 28-year-old woman alleged Busfield fondled her in a Los Angeles cinema. Busfield claimed the contact was consensual, and no criminal or civil case was pursued.
Wife's Support and Industry Fallout
Amid the legal storm, Busfield's wife, Melissa Gilbert – best known for Little House on the Prairie – issued a statement through a representative. She expressed support for her husband and stated her focus was on "supporting and caring for their ... family." The statement also requested privacy, noting she would honour a request from Busfield's attorneys not to speak publicly during the legal process.
Gilbert has since deactivated her Instagram account, and her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, cancelled a scheduled virtual event, citing her need for "privacy and space." Warner Bros, producer of The Cleaning Lady – which ended its four-season run in 2025 – stated it conducted an investigation but could not corroborate the allegations against Busfield.
Busfield, whose acting credits include Revenge of the Nerds, Field of Dreams, and The West Wing, won an Emmy in 1991 for his role in Thirtysomething. The case continues to develop as the January hearing approaches.
