At a Glance
- Timothy Busfield was released on his own recognizance after a pretrial hearing on Jan. 20.
- He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
- Director of photography Alan Caudillo testified about letters of support and work on The Cleaning Lady.
- Why it matters: The ruling highlights how courts balance public safety and individual rights in high-profile child abuse cases.
The pretrial hearing for Timothy Busfield drew attention after the actor, 61, was charged with sexual misconduct involving two minor boys. The judge ultimately released him pending trial, but imposed strict conditions.
Pretrial Hearing Details
The hearing took place on Jan. 20 at the Albuquerque courthouse. Busfield had appeared before the judge for the first time on Jan. 14, just one day after prosecutors filed the charges. The judge considered evidence, witness statements, and the defendant’s history before deciding on custody.
Witness Testimony
Alan Caudillo, who served as director of photography on The Cleaning Lady, was called to testify. He had worked with Busfield when the actor directed the show.
- Caudillo was one of 75 people who submitted letters supporting Busfield.
- He revealed that Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, asked him to write a letter of support.
- The letter was sent to Gilbert, who forwarded it to the legal team.
Caudillo’s testimony also highlighted the actor’s cooperation with authorities. He noted that Busfield had surrendered to police after a warrant was issued on Jan. 9.
Charges and Legal Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 9 | Albuquerque Police Department issued an arrest warrant. |
| Jan. 13 | Busfield surrendered to authorities. |
| Jan. 14 | First appearance before the judge. |
| Jan. 20 | Pretrial hearing; decision on release. |
The charges stem from allegations that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys who were child actors on The Cleaning Lady.
Judge’s Decision and Conditions
The judge cited the lack of a pattern of criminal conduct involving children and Busfield’s self-surrender as factors for release. The conditions include:
- No possession of firearms or dangerous weapons.
- No consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- No contact with the alleged victims or their families.
- No unsupervised contact with any minor children.
- Mandatory reporting of address to the court.
- Supervision by Pretrial Services in New Mexico.
The judge allowed Busfield to travel but emphasized that the conditions were designed to protect the community.
Reactions and Family Presence
Melissa Gilbert attended the hearing, sitting alongside family members such as her 89-year-old mother, son Michael Boxleitner, and Busfield’s brother Buck Busfield. Gilbert wrote a letter urging the court to release her husband, describing him as her “love” and “rock.”
In her letter, she highlighted Busfield’s moral character and service to others, stating:
> “I can tell you, and anyone, that I know Tim better and more intimately than anything in his life ever has. Conversely, he knows me in the same way. Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known.”
Gilbert’s emotional appeal was balanced with logic, as she requested the court’s protection for her husband.
Next Steps and Court Orders
Busfield must appear for all future court dates and is not allowed to discuss the case with witnesses or contact minors. He is also prohibited from owning firearms or consuming alcohol. The judge’s decision will be monitored by Pretrial Services, who will ensure compliance.
If anyone suspects child abuse, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453. Calls are toll-free and confidential.
Key Takeaways
- Timothy Busfield was released on his own recognizance after a pretrial hearing on Jan. 20.
- He faces serious charges involving two counts of criminal sexual contact and one count of child abuse.
- Witness Alan Caudillo provided evidence of support letters and the actor’s cooperation with authorities.
- The judge imposed strict conditions to protect the community while allowing Busfield to remain free.
- Family members, especially Melissa Gilbert, publicly supported Busfield’s release, citing his character and moral compass.
The case remains under close scrutiny as the court continues to balance public safety with the rights of the accused.
