At a Glance
- Melissa Gilbert bought Christmas gifts for 11-year-old twins who allege sex crimes by her husband, Timothy Busfield
- Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant Jan. 9 charging Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse
- The couple admitted attending social events with the boys and giving presents, according to the warrant
- Why it matters: The gifts and gatherings are cited by investigators as part of the alleged grooming behavior detailed in the case
An arrest warrant unsealed Jan. 9 reveals that Melissa Gilbert purchased Christmas presents for twin 11-year-old actors who accuse her husband, Timothy Busfield, of sexual misconduct that reportedly began when the boys were 7.
The Allegations
The twins met Busfield on the set of FOX’s The Cleaning Lady, where he directed episodes. Their parents told police the boys disclosed abuse spanning November 2022 to spring 2024.
A doctor at University of New Mexico Hospital first alerted authorities in November 2024 after the children were evaluated and professionals concluded they “were groomed,” the warrant states.
Statements in the Warrant
During police interviews, Busfield and Gilbert acknowledged:
- Buying the boys Christmas gifts
- Attending “several social functions” together
- Inviting the family to off-set gatherings “to foster closeness,” as Officer Marvin Brown wrote
The couple’s representatives have not replied to News Of Los Angeles‘s requests for comment.
Background on Busfield
This is not the first allegation against the 68-year-old actor-director; a 1994 claim did not lead to charges. Production house Warner Bros. Television confirmed it received a complaint and stated it is “cooperating with law enforcement,” adding that “the safety of minors on our productions” is paramount.
Gilbert’s Recent Posts
Weeks before the warrant became public, Gilbert shared a reflective post about child-sex abuse in the wake of Jeffrey Epstein coverage. She married Busfield in 2013 after reconnecting with him in 2012.
Key Takeaways
- Gifts and social events are cited in the warrant as part of alleged grooming
- The boys were child actors who met Busfield while he directed The Cleaning Lady
- An initial 2024 hospital report did not meet prosecution thresholds; the mother re-filed in October 2025
- Warner Bros. says it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation
The case now moves forward with Busfield facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
