Actor Timothy Busfield's attorneys say an investigation undermines
state's child sex abuse charges
[January 17, 2026]
By AUDREY McAVOY
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield's
attorneys told a court Friday he should be released while he awaits the
outcome of child sex abuse charges against him because an independent
investigation undermined the state's allegations, the parents of his
accusers have a history of fraud and dishonesty, and he passed a
polygraph test.
Busfield was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance
Wednesday, a day after he turned himself in to face charges stemming
from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a
TV series he was directing in New Mexico.
A judge will hold a detention hearing on Tuesday to determine whether
Busfield will remain in jail.
Albuquerque police issued a warrant for his arrest last week on two
counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child
abuse. A criminal complaint alleges the acts occurred on the set of the
series “The Cleaning Lady,” which was filmed in the city.
In a video shared before turning himself in, Busfield called the
allegations lies. Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, is
known for appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething.”
According to the criminal complaint, an investigator with the police
department says the child reported Busfield touched him on private areas
over his clothing on one occasion when he was 7 years old and another
time when he was 8.
The boy’s twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield,
but did not specify where. He said he didn’t say anything because he
didn’t want to get in trouble.
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A screen displays a video link of Timothy Busfield during his court
appearance from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque,
N.M., on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the Bernalillo County
Metropolitan Court. (Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal via AP)
 Busfield's attorneys said in court
filings that the allegations against him emerged only after the boys
lost their role in the TV show, creating a financial and retaliatory
motive. The filings detailed what the attorneys said was a history
of fraud by both the father and mother.
They cited an investigation by Warner Bros. into the allegations,
which they said prosecutors didn't include in their criminal
complaint, found the allegations unfounded. Independent witnesses
supported the report's conclusions, the court filings said.
Busfield also submitted letters vouching for his character. His
passing of the polygraph test aligns with the other information
submitted, his attorneys said.
Legal experts say New Mexico is among a few states that allow
polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but a judge has final say over
whether one can be used. There are strict requirements for
admission.
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