UPDATE — 1/21/26 1:45 a.m. ET: Timothy Busfield was released from police custody as he awaits trial on alleged child sex abuse charges.
Per police records obtained by Us Weekly within the early hours of Wednesday, January 21, Busfield was released the day prior to this.
A report by People, published in light of the news, included a press release from Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, that described Busfield as feeling “wonderful” after his release. “He can reunite with Melissa [Gilbert, his wife],” Stein told the outlet, noting that Gilbert is “very, very excited.”
Original story below.
Timothy Busfield will probably be released from jail as he awaits his trial for alleged child sex abuse.
A Recent Mexico judge denied the state’s motion to maintain Busfield, 68, in custody leading as much as and through his trial during a Tuesday, January 20, hearing. The judge ruled that the state couldn’t adequately prove that there are zero conditions through which the director could possibly be released that will protect the security of the community.
Busfield’s release from jail does, nevertheless, include a number of conditions. The director must appear in any respect hearings and maintain contact along with his attorney. He is probably not within the possession of a firearm and he cannot have any contact with the alleged victims. The judge didn’t revoke Busfield’s ability to travel. Busfield’s next court hearing has yet to be scheduled.
After the ruling was issued, Busfield turned to wife Melissa Gilbert. He seemingly attempted to put his hand over his heart in a possible gesture toward Gilbert, 61, but couldn’t accomplish that on account of the restraints from his handcuffs. Busfield was subsequently escorted out of the court room.
News broke earlier this month that a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest after he was accused of sexual abuse by twin child actors who worked on The Cleansing Lady. The drama aired from 2022 to 2025 and Busfield executive-produced 14 episodes of the Fox series, directed six and made a one-episode appearance.
The alleged incidents took place between late 2022 and early 2024, based on the Albuquerque Police Department affidavit obtained by Us Weekly in January. Busfield was accused of touching certainly one of the youngsters’s “private areas,” tickling the youngsters, picking up the youngsters and more.
Busfield is facing two counts of sexual abuse involving a minor and one count of kid abuse. He faces as much as 15 years in prison if convicted, per the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
In an interview with the authorities, Busfield denied the abuse allegations and claimed that there was nothing “weird” about his interactions with the kid actors.
“I mean, I’m at all times around people, right? It might be, you recognize, in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it,” he said. “I don’t really remember picking those boys up. I remember picking up the boy who followed them. I’d pick him up and he’d be giggling and that will form of get him able to act.”
Busfield claimed the youngsters were “never alone on set without the teacher, a welfare employee, or a parent.” He also admitted to him and Gilbert buying the youngsters presents for Christmas.
After news broke of the allegations, Busfield surrendered himself to the police while maintaining his innocence.
Melissa Gilbert was seen supporting husband Timothy Busfield at a hearing in child sex abuse case. Gilbert, 61, appeared at a court in Recent Mexico on Tuesday, January 20, as a Bernalillo County judge decided whether Busfield, 68, will probably be released from jail while awaiting trial. Gilbert was seen sitting within the front row of […]
“I didn’t do anything to those little boys,” Busfield claimed in a video obtained by TMZ. “And I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a terrific team, and I’m gonna be exonerated. I do know I’m, ‘cause that is all so flawed and so lies.”
Gilbert attended the Tuesday hearing in support of her husband. The actress was also listed on the case’s witness list. Along with being by Busfield’s side, Gilbert previously released a press release maintaining her husband’s innocence.
“During this era, her focus is on supporting and caring for his or her very large family, as they navigate this moment,” Gilbert’s rep said. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and can address the general public at an appropriate time.”
For those who or someone you recognize is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
For those who or someone you recognize has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).