Actor Timothy Busfield was released from jail Tuesday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico, pending trial on charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. Busfield, known for roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething,” is accused of misconduct on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady.”
The case involves allegations of abuse spanning decades and illustrates power dynamics in entertainment work settings. A state district court judge rejected prosecutors’ arguments that Busfield posed a danger to the public.
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield on Tuesday night, rejecting prosecutors’ arguments that he posed a danger to the community while awaiting trial on charges of child sexual contact and abuse. Busfield, known for roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething,” had been held in an Albuquerque jail after surrendering to law enforcement following allegations of misconduct on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady.”
State District Court Judge David Murphy’s decision came after hours of testimony from both the prosecution and defense. “There’s no evidence of a pattern of criminal conduct, there are no similar allegations involving children in his past,” Murphy said. “Rather this defendant self-surrendered and submitted himself to this court’s jurisdiction, demonstrating compliance with the court order for his arrest.”
The Allegations
Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse stemming from allegations that occurred during his work as a director on “The Cleaning Lady.” According to a criminal complaint, two boys — twin brothers — reported that Busfield had touched them on their private areas over their clothing when they were ages 7 and 8. One boy disclosed the alleged conduct during a therapy session; records from that session were obtained by police during the investigation.
Defense Arguments
Busfield’s attorneys argued that the children had initially told police that no inappropriate contact had occurred. They accused the boys’ parents of coaching their children toward incriminating statements after the children lost lucrative roles on the television set. Alan Caudillo, the director of photography on “The Cleaning Lady,” testified that children on set were never left alone with individuals and that parents had encouraged hugs with adults on set.
Prosecutors countered that the allegations were supported by medical findings and the boys’ therapist records. Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch said the boys’ accounts were “specific and not exaggerated.” She also reported that witnesses had expressed fear about potential retaliation and professional harm.
Support and Character Evidence
Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” attended the hearing. Outside the courthouse, Gilbert thanked the judge for the ruling and expressed gratitude to friends, relatives, co-workers and strangers who she said had supported the family.
In materials submitted to the court, Busfield provided character references and his defense team reported that he had passed an independent polygraph test. New Mexico is among a few states that allows polygraph evidence in criminal cases, though judges retain final discretion over whether such evidence can be introduced.
Prosecutors declined to comment on the judge’s ruling. Busfield is scheduled to appear for further court proceedings as his case moves toward trial.