Timothy Busfield Released on Own Recognizance in Sex Abuse Case
Albuquerque,New Mexico – Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield has been granted release from a new Mexico jail while he awaits trial on charges of sexual abuse. The decision, delivered by Judge David A. Murphy on Tuesday, allows Busfield to remain free under the condition that he appears at all future court dates.
Busfield, 68, surrendered to authorities last week following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, stemming from allegations made by two boys regarding incidents that allegedly occurred on the set of the Fox crime drama, The Cleaning Lady. Busfield has vehemently denied the accusations.
Prosecutors argued for Busfield’s detention, citing a purported “pattern” of inappropriate behavior culminating during the production of The Cleaning Lady. They emphasized that the alleged offenses do not require a specific predisposition, stating that “It doesn’t matter who he’s attracted to… They don’t have to be a paedophile for this to happen.”
The defense countered these claims, presenting over 70 character references and evidence of Busfield passing a polygraph examination related to the allegations. A psychosexual risk assessment was also submitted, though its weight was questioned by the prosecution.
Defense attorney amber Fayerberg argued that Busfield currently lacks the power to exploit anyone,noting his recent professional setbacks,including being “cancelled” by the industry and removed from an upcoming film.She further suggested the allegations were “manufactured,” positing that the accusations stemmed from the parents’ anger over their children being terminated from The Cleaning Lady. Fayerberg stated, “There is a credible story here… But they weren’t victimised by Tim Busfield. They were victimised by their own parents.”
According to court documents and the arrest affidavit,the alleged abuse involved unwanted physical contact,including tickling and inappropriate touching of private areas. One of the boys claimed the alleged touching began when he was seven years old and that he feared repercussions if he spoke out.
Busfield’s other attorney, Larry Stein, suggested the accusations are an act of revenge by the children’s mother.
The judge’s ruling allows Busfield to travel,as he is not a New Mexico resident,but requires him to report to pre-trial services in the state. He is prohibited from discussing the case with witnesses or having contact with the minor children involved.
A trial date has not yet been set. The case continues to draw significant attention, given Busfield’s prominent career, which includes roles in Thirtysomething, The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Revenge of the Nerds.
Keywords:
* Primary Topic: Timothy Busfield Sex Abuse Allegations
* Primary Keyword: Timothy Busfield
* Secondary Keywords: sex abuse allegations, The Cleaning Lady, criminal sexual contact, child abuse, Melissa Gilbert, Albuquerque, New Mexico, legal case, court ruling, polygraph test, character references, Judge David A. Murphy.
