Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in television, is facing serious allegations. He was recently held without bail in New Mexico on charges related to child sex abuse.
Prior to his arrest, Busfield underwent a psychosexual evaluation, as suggested by his lawyer. This evaluation included questions about his personal life, including his relationship with his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert. According to court documents, Busfield stated that he and Gilbert have a “satisfying sex life.” The evaluation also noted Busfield’s belief that sexual relationships require maturity and understanding.
Despite the nature of the questions, the evaluation determined Busfield to be a “very low risk” for committing sexual offenses. This was based on a clinical interview and other risk assessment measures. Donna Rotunno, a legal contributor, explained that such evaluations are often used to demonstrate that an individual is not a threat to the community.
In addition to the evaluation, over 75 letters from former colleagues and friends were submitted to the court, attesting to Busfield’s character and stating they had never witnessed any inappropriate behavior. Melissa Gilbert also wrote a letter in support of her husband, describing him as a moral and compassionate man.
The allegations against Busfield stem from claims made by two 11-year-old twins who were working on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.” They allege that Busfield, whom they were told to call “Uncle Tim,” touched them inappropriately. One of the children claimed an incident occurred in a bedroom on set.
Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind “The Cleaning Lady,” stated that they take such allegations seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement. However, a makeup artist told investigators that Busfield was known to be “creepy” on set.
During police questioning, audio presented in court revealed that the children initially stated that Busfield had not touched their private areas.
Busfield has denied all allegations. Prosecutors, however, argued that he poses a danger to children and the community, citing a “calculated pattern of grooming” and exploitation of authority.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman stated that if convicted, Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison. A court hearing is scheduled to determine whether he will remain in custody pending trial. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children and holding individuals accountable for their actions, while also respecting the legal process and the rights of the accused.
