Judge Orders Actor Timothy Busfield Released Pending Child Sex Abuse Case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (JN) – A New Mexico judge has ordered the release of actor and director Timothy Busfield from jail while he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges linked to allegations arising from a television production set in Albuquerque.

The ruling follows a detention hearing in state district court, where prosecutors and defense lawyers disputed the strength of evidence and the risk posed by Busfield if released. The case has drawn national attention because of Busfield’s long television and film career and the seriousness of the allegations.

Busfield has denied the accusations and has not entered a plea. The case remains at a preliminary stage, with further court proceedings expected in the coming weeks.

Release ordered after detention hearing

State District Court Judge David Murphy ruled on Tuesday that Busfield should be released on his own recognizance pending trial. Under the order, Busfield will be supervised by pretrial services in Albuquerque and is permitted to leave New Mexico to reside at his home.

The decision reverses an earlier ruling made at Busfield’s first court appearance last week, when he was ordered held without bond. Judge Murphy did not issue a detailed written explanation during the hearing, but set conditions that include supervision while the case proceeds.

Busfield had been in custody since turning himself in to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued earlier this month.

Allegations tied to television set

The charges stem from accusations that Busfield inappropriately touched a minor while working as a director on the television series The Cleaning Lady, which was filmed in Albuquerque.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Albuquerque police, Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Investigators allege that one child reported being touched over clothing on private areas on two occasions, when the child was 7 and later 8 years old.

The complaint also states that the child’s twin brother told authorities he was also touched, though he did not specify where and said he did not initially report the incident because he feared getting into trouble.

Police say the allegations came to light during a therapy session, records of which were later obtained as part of the investigation.

Prosecutors argue evidence is strong

During the detention hearing, Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch argued that Busfield should remain jailed, citing what she described as strong and specific evidence.

“The boys’ allegations are supported by medical findings and by their therapist,” Brandenburg-Koch told the court, according to filings. She said the accounts were detailed and not exaggerated.

Prosecutors also alleged a broader pattern of misconduct, arguing that Busfield abused his position of authority and engaged in grooming behavior over several decades. They further claimed that some witnesses expressed fear of retaliation or professional consequences if Busfield were released.

“GPS is not going to tell this court if he is around children or talking to witnesses,” Brandenburg-Koch said in opposing release.

Defense challenges credibility of claims

Busfield’s attorneys have strongly denied the allegations, describing them as false and retaliatory. In court filings submitted this week, defense lawyers argued that the claims surfaced only after the children lost their roles on the television show, suggesting a possible financial motive.

The defense also submitted brief audio recordings of initial police interviews in which the children stated that Busfield did not touch them in private areas. Attorneys argued that prosecutors mischaracterized those interviews as a failure to disclose abuse, rather than what they described as direct denials.

An earlier investigation by Warner Bros., cited by the defense, reportedly found the allegations unfounded, according to court documents. The defense filings also reference what attorneys say is a history of fraudulent behavior by the children’s parents, though those claims have not been tested in court.

Busfield’s lawyers additionally submitted letters attesting to his character and said he passed an independent polygraph test.

Polygraph evidence and next steps

New Mexico is among a small number of U.S. states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases under limited circumstances. Legal experts note that admission of such evidence is rare and subject to strict requirements, with final discretion resting with the judge.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Busfield appeared in court wearing an orange jail uniform and handcuffs. His wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, attended the proceedings. Gilbert, best known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, is listed as a potential witness in the case.

Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, is known for roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething. In a video shared before he surrendered to authorities, he described the allegations as lies.

The court has not yet set a trial date. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to continue pretrial motions, including arguments over evidence and witness testimony.