Timothy Busfield has been dropped by his agency after surrendering to New Mexico police on charges of criminal sexual contact with minors and child abuse.
At a Glance
- Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse
- His agency, Innovative Artists, confirmed they no longer represent him after his Jan. 14 court appearance
- He is being held without bond and will remain in custody pending a pretrial detention hearing
- Why it matters: The case involves multiple allegations spanning decades, including a new claim from a woman who says Busfield assaulted her during a theater audition 25 years ago
The actor, 68, was taken into custody and is being held without bail. On January 14, Innovative Artists confirmed to Deadline that he was no longer their client after several years of representation.
The Charges
Albuquerque Police issued an arrest warrant on January 9, accusing Busfield of unlawful sexual conduct with twin 11-year-old boys.
During his first court appearance, a Bernalillo County judge ordered Busfield held without bond. His pretrial detention hearing must occur within five business days, with a preliminary hearing deadline set for January 29.
New Allegation Emerges
An additional allegation surfaced in a pretrial detention motion filed January 14. Colin Swift reported to law enforcement on January 13 that Busfield allegedly sexually abused Swift’s daughter “several years ago” in Sacramento, California.
The motion states that while the 16-year-old was auditioning for Busfield at B Street Theatre, he kissed her and touched her inappropriately. Busfield allegedly begged the family not to report the incident if he received therapy. Swift, being a therapist himself, agreed at the time.
B Street Theatre, where Busfield was heavily involved, obtained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation. The theater company stated he has had no role in the organization since 2001.
Response from Busfield’s Team
Busfield’s civil attorney Larry Stein addressed the 25-year-old allegation: “The allegations were never challenged, they were never proved, and they’re 25 years old. And there doesn’t seem to be any connection between these allegations regarding women 25 years ago and the allegations regarding these young boys.”
Before turning himself in, Busfield maintained his innocence in a self-recorded video obtained by TMZ.
“I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible, they’re all lies,” he said. “I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Family Support
Melissa Gilbert, Busfield’s wife since 2012, is standing by him. Her representative Ame Van Iden released a statement on January 13:
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
The statement emphasized that Gilbert’s “focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.”
What’s Next
Busfield remains in custody as his legal team prepares for the upcoming pretrial detention hearing. The case combines recent charges involving the twin boys with decades-old allegations that have now resurfaced through court filings.
The judge confirmed that Busfield’s extended custody will continue until the pretrial detention hearing, which must occur within five business days of his court appearance.
