At a Glance
- Timothy Busfield, 68, charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 and one count of child abuse
- Could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted
- Surrendered to police on January 13 after arrest warrant issued January 9
- Why it matters: The case involves allegations from multiple alleged victims and could result in significant prison time for the veteran actor
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in “Field of Dreams” and “The West Wing,” has been charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The 68-year-old actor is currently being held without bond in New Mexico as he awaits a pretrial detention hearing.
The Charges and Potential Penalties
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman held a press conference on January 15 to address the case against Busfield. The actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and one count of child abuse.
“Under New Mexico law, each count of criminal sexual contact carries up to six years of incarceration, and child abuse carries up to three years,” Bregman stated. This means Busfield could face a total of 15 years in prison if found guilty on all charges.
The case has been transferred to the District Court, with Busfield scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on January 20. During this hearing, a judge will determine whether to approve the prosecution’s motion to keep Busfield in custody until trial or if he will be released with or without conditions.
The Allegations and Timeline
The arrest warrant, issued by the Albuquerque Police Department on January 9, contains allegations that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys. The boys allegedly met Busfield on the set of the FOX series “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield served as a director in season 2.
According to the warrant, Busfield “grew closer” to the boys and allegedly told his children to call him “Uncle Tim.” The parents of the alleged victims reported discovering allegations against Timothy of sexual assault against both women and minors.
An additional allegation emerged in a pretrial detention motion obtained by News Of Losangeles. Colin Swift reported to law enforcement on January 13 that Busfield allegedly sexually abused Swift’s daughter “several years ago” in Sacramento, California, when she was auditioning for him at B Street Theatre.
The motion states that Busfield allegedly “kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.” The actor allegedly “begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy.” Swift, being a “therapist himself, thought at the time that was the best thing to do,” according to the motion.
Busfield’s Response and Surrender
Busfield surrendered to authorities on January 13, four days after the arrest warrant was issued. In a video obtained by TMZ on the same day, Busfield made a statement about his surrender and the allegations against him.
“Hi everybody, it’s Tim,” the actor began. “I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now. I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
He continued, “They’re all lies and 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.”
Busfield concluded by saying, “So hang in there and hopefully I’m out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you.”
Legal Proceedings and Custody Status
Busfield appeared in court for the first time on January 14, where a judge confirmed that he will remain in custody ahead of his pretrial detention hearing. He is currently being held without bond in New Mexico.
The prosecution has filed a motion requesting that Busfield remain in custody until trial. The January 20 hearing will determine whether this motion is approved or if Busfield will be released, either with or without conditions.
After the pretrial detention hearing, Busfield will formally be charged and arraigned.
B Street Theatre Response
In response to the allegations involving the Sacramento incident, B Street Theatre obtained legal counsel “to conduct an internal investigation,” according to a statement from the theatre company. The statement also noted that “Mr. Busfield has not had any role in the organization since 2001.”
Family Response
A representative for Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, provided a statement to News Of Losangeles regarding the situation. Gilbert, known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” would not be “making public statements at this time” and is “honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” the statement continued. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
Key Takeaways
- Timothy Busfield faces serious charges that could result in 15 years of prison time
- Multiple alleged victims have come forward with accusations spanning different time periods and locations
- The actor is currently in custody and will remain so until at least January 20
- The case has been transferred to District Court for further proceedings
- Busfield maintains his innocence and plans to fight the charges
