Timothy Busfield, an actor and director known for his roles in popular television series, is currently facing serious legal challenges following his arrest on child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. The actor turned himself in on January 13, 2026, after an arrest warrant was issued for multiple counts involving allegations of child sexual abuse. He is being held without bail as he awaits further court proceedings.
Busfield, aged 68, underwent a psychosexual evaluation prior to his remand, as recommended by his attorney, John W. Day. The assessment aimed to determine his risk of reoffending compared to those previously convicted of sexual offenses. According to court documents filed on January 17, the evaluation took place on January 12 and included probing questions about Busfield’s personal life, notably his relationship with his wife, Melissa Gilbert.
The evaluation revealed that Busfield and Gilbert maintain a satisfying sexual relationship, characterized by companionship and affection rather than frequent sexual intercourse. The report stated, “Mr. Busfield reports he and his current wife have a satisfying sex life,” and noted Gilbert’s confirmation of his statements. The evaluation concluded that Busfield posed a “very low risk” of reoffending based on his responses and background.
Busfield’s legal team aims to use the findings of this evaluation to argue that he is “not a threat to society.” Legal contributor Donna Rotunno emphasized the importance of honesty during such evaluations, suggesting that Busfield’s candidness could influence the judge’s perceptions of his case.
In support of her husband, Gilbert submitted a letter to the court, describing Busfield as her “love, rock, and partner in business and life.” She portrayed him as a compassionate individual and expressed her emotional turmoil regarding his current situation, stating, “I am relying on you to protect him for me.”
The allegations against Busfield emerged from a police investigation initiated on November 1, 2024, prompted by a report from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital regarding potential sexual abuse. The investigation centers on claims from two eleven-year-old twins who allege inappropriate touching by Busfield, who they referred to as “Uncle Tim” on the set of the show “The Cleaning Lady.”
According to the arrest warrant, one of the twins alleged that an inappropriate incident occurred while they were alone with Busfield in a bedroom on set. The warrant further indicated that medical professionals noted signs of “grooming” in the children.
In response to the allegations, a representative from Warner Bros. Television stated that the safety of cast and crew, especially minors, is a top priority. They assured that all allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Witnesses have reportedly expressed concerns about potential retaliation for speaking out against Busfield, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Some crew members described a culture of discomfort around Busfield, with one makeup artist noting that “everyone on set knew to avoid Busfield because he was creepy.”
On January 14, Busfield appeared via Zoom in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, where he faced charges that include two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison, with legal experts pointing out that each count carries significant potential sentences under New Mexico law.
The court’s expedited motion for pretrial detention highlighted concerns about Busfield’s conduct, suggesting he poses an “ongoing and serious danger to children and the community.” The prosecution argued that the allegations reflect a “calculated pattern of grooming” and exploitation of his professional position to gain access to minors.
Busfield’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2026, where the determination of his custody status will be made. As the case unfolds, the legal and emotional ramifications for all involved continue to develop.
