Timothy Busfield Pleads Not Guilty to Child Sex Abuse Charges in New Mexico
Television star and director Timothy Busfield has entered a not guilty plea to four felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, according to recent court filings in New Mexico. The 68-year-old actor, known for roles in Thirtysomething and The West Wing, was indicted by a grand jury on February 6, 2026, and waived his arraignment and pre-trial appearances, which a judge approved on February 18.
Allegations Stem from Television Set Incident
The charges relate to alleged sexual contact with minors on the set of the FOX-TV series The Cleaning Lady. In January 2026, Busfield was named in a New Mexico arrest warrant concerning these allegations. He surrendered to local law enforcement that same month and has consistently denied the accusations. In a video statement obtained by TMZ, Busfield asserted, "I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys." He was released from police custody on January 21, shortly before the grand jury indictment.
Legal Proceedings and Statements from Officials
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the presumption of innocence in a Facebook statement earlier in February, noting, "As with all criminal proceedings, Mr. Busfield is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law." Bregman added that the case is expected to proceed to trial, with the District Attorney's Office committed to protecting children and ensuring justice for victims.
Busfield's attorney, Larry Stein, has criticized the prosecution, stating in a release, "The indictment was not unexpected. As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich." Stein argued that the case is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial, suggesting it may be driven by factors other than facts or law. He confirmed that Busfield will vigorously fight the charges in court.
Personal Background and Support
Since 2013, Busfield has been married to actress Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert has publicly supported her husband throughout the ongoing legal proceedings. The case continues to draw significant media attention as it moves through the judicial system, with further developments anticipated in the coming months.
