A New Mexico judge has ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield from custody during a detention hearing concerning serious child sex abuse allegations. The decision came on Tuesday at the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, where Busfield appeared handcuffed and dressed in an orange jail uniform.
Judge's Ruling and Conditions of Release
State District Court Judge David Murphy ruled that Busfield could be released on his own recognizance, pending the outcome of his trial. The judge specified that Busfield will be supervised by a pretrial service in Albuquerque and is permitted to leave the state to reside at his home. This ruling follows an earlier court appearance last week where Busfield was held without bond.
Allegations and Criminal Charges
Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to an arrest warrant issued by Albuquerque police earlier this month. The criminal complaint alleges that the incidents occurred on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield was working as a director.
The complaint details that one child reported Busfield touched him over his clothing on private areas on two separate occasions—once when he was seven years old and again when he was eight. The boy's twin brother also told authorities he was touched by Busfield, though he did not specify the location, explaining he remained silent to avoid getting into trouble.
Prosecution's Arguments for Continued Detention
Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch argued strongly for Busfield's continued detention, describing the evidence against him as "strong and specific." She stated that the boys' allegations are supported by medical findings and their therapist, with accounts that were detailed and not exaggerated.
Brandenburg-Koch also referenced a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior by Busfield over the past three decades. Prosecutors expressed concerns about witness intimidation, noting that witnesses have feared retaliation and professional harm. "GPS is not going to tell this court if he is around children or talking to witnesses," Brandenburg-Koch emphasised during the hearing.
Defence Counterarguments and Evidence
Busfield's legal team presented a vigorous defence, submitting two brief audio recordings of initial police interviews in which the children stated Busfield did not touch them in private areas. The attorneys argued in court filings that the complaint mischaracterises these interviews as a failure to disclose abuse, whereas they represent "unequivocal denial" which is materially different.
The defence also suggested the allegations emerged only after the boys lost their roles in the television show, creating potential financial and retaliatory motives. Their filings detailed what they described as a history of fraud by both the boys' parents and cited an investigation by Warner Bros that found the allegations unfounded.
Additionally, Busfield submitted letters vouching for his character and his attorneys revealed he passed an independent polygraph test. Legal experts note that New Mexico is among the few states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases, though judges maintain final authority over its admissibility under strict requirements.
Courtroom Drama and Family Presence
The hearing was marked by emotional moments as Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, watched from the court gallery. Gilbert, known for her role as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, appeared tearful while exiting the courtroom following the judge's release order. She has been listed as a potential witness submitted ahead of the hearing.
Busfield, an Emmy award-winning actor recognised for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, has publicly denied the allegations. In a video shared before surrendering to authorities, he called the accusations lies.
The case continues to develop as both prosecution and defence prepare for trial, with the judge's release order allowing Busfield to await proceedings outside of custody under supervised conditions.
