At a Glance
- Actor-director Timothy Busfield, 68, turned himself in on January 13 on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse
- The alleged victims, 11-year-old twin boys, claim abuse occurred from November 2022 to Spring 2024 after meeting Busfield on the set of The Cleaning Lady
- Wife Melissa Gilbert‘s brand Modern Prairie issued a statement condemning abuse and requesting privacy, while Gilbert’s rep says she “stands with and supports her husband”
- Why it matters: The case pits serious criminal charges against Busfield’s public denial, placing his family and professional ties in the spotlight
Timothy Busfield, known for roles in The West Wing and thirtysomething, was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after an arrest warrant accused him of sexually abusing two minors. The actor-director surrendered to authorities on January 13, hours before his wife Melissa Gilbert’s lifestyle brand released a statement distancing itself from the allegations.
The Charges
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
- One count of child abuse
- Alleged abuse period: November 2022 to Spring 2024
According to the warrant obtained by News Of Losangeles, the 11-year-old twins met Busfield when he directed season 2 of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, filmed in New Mexico and aired in 2022. The boys’ parents state the children “grew closer” to Busfield on set.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2024 | University of New Mexico Hospital doctor alerts police to alleged abuse |
| Oct 2025 | Mother files police report saying both twins disclosed abuse |
| Jan 9, 2025 | Albuquerque Police Department issues arrest warrant |
| Jan 13, 2025 | Busfield turns himself in; Modern Prairie posts statement |
An October 2025 police report quotes the mother saying the children disclosed sexual abuse by Timothy from late 2022 through spring 2024. Professionals involved in the case indicated the boys “were groomed,” the warrant states.
Brand Response
Modern Prairie, the clothing and décor label featuring Gilbert as brand muse, posted on Instagram:
- Acknowledged “serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse”
- Stated the allegations “do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community”
- Condemned “abuse in all forms” while pledging to uphold “safety, integrity, and respect”
- Asked for privacy so the family can “navigate a difficult and personal situation”
Gilbert’s Position
Through representative Ame Van Iden, Gilbert said:
- She is honoring Busfield’s legal team’s request to remain publicly silent while the case proceeds
- Her focus is “supporting and caring for their very large family”
- “Melissa stands with and supports her husband”
- The family requests privacy
Busfield’s Denial
In a video obtained by TMZ on the day of his surrender, Busfield declared:
> “I did not do anything to those little boys.”
He added:
- “I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible”
- “I’m gonna fight it… I’m gonna be exonerated”
- “This is all so wrong and all lies”
Busfield’s civil attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, told News Of Losangeles the accusations are “false and deeply troubling.”
Investigation Details
- Albuquerque Police Officer Marvin Brown’s warrant details alleged sex crimes against the twins
- One minor claims the abuse began when he was 7
- The investigation started after a UNMH doctor’s alert on November 1, 2024
- Initially, authorities declined action because no physical abuse was documented
The warrant also notes Busfield’s assertion that the parents were angry their sons were replaced by a younger actor on The Cleaning Lady. He claims an actress told him the mother “wanted revenge.”
Key Takeaways
- Busfield faces multiple felony charges tied to alleged abuse of twins who met him professionally
- Melissa Gilbert backs her husband but is limiting public comment during proceedings
- Modern Prairie seeks separation, stressing the claims don’t involve the brand
- Legal process is ongoing; Busfield entered no plea during his initial appearance
Anyone with information about child abuse can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit childhelp.org.
