UPDATE: 01/21/26 01:45 ET: Timothy Busfield he was released from police custody while awaiting trial on alleged child sexual abuse charges.
According to the police records obtained by Us Weekly on the morning of Wednesday 21 January, Busfield was released the day before.
A report of peoplepublished in light of the news, included a statement from Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Steinwho described Busfield as feeling “wonderful” after his release. “You can meet with Melissa (Gilberthis wife),” Stein told the network, noting that Gilbert is “very, very excited.”
Original story below.
Timothy Busfield will be released from prison while awaiting trial for alleged child sexual abuse.
A New Mexico judge denied the state’s motion to keep Busfield, 68, in custody before and during his trial during a hearing on Tuesday, January 20. The judge ruled that the state could not adequately demonstrate that there are zero conditions under which the director could be released that would protect the safety of the community.
Busfield’s release from prison, however, comes with some conditions. The director must appear at all hearings and maintain contact with his attorney. He may not be in possession of a firearm and may not have any contact with the alleged victims. The judge did not revoke Busfield’s ability to travel. Busfield’s next court hearing has not yet been scheduled.
After the sentence was handed down, Busfield became a woman Melissa Gilbert. He apparently tried to put his hand over his heart in a possible gesture towards Gilbert, 61, but was unable to do so due to the restraints of his handcuffs. Busfield was subsequently escorted out of the courtroom.
Timothy Busfield did not enter a plea during his first court appearance in his child sexual abuse case. Busfield, 60, appeared in court in New Mexico on Wednesday, Jan. 14, by deadline. The director was wearing an orange jumpsuit. Busfield did not enter a plea and will remain in custody before returning to court in less (…)
Earlier this month, it was reported that a warrant had been issued for Busfield’s arrest after he was accused of sexual abuse by twin child actors who worked on it The cleaning lady. The drama aired from 2022 to 2025, and Busfield executive produced 14 episodes of the Fox series, directing six and making a one-episode appearance.
The alleged incidents took place between late 2022 and early 2024, according to the Albuquerque Police Department affidavit obtained by Us Weekly in January Busfield was accused of touching one of the children’s “private areas”, tickling the children, picking them up and more.
Busfield faces two counts of sexual abuse involving a minor and one count of child abuse. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
In an interview with authorities, Busfield denied the allegations of abuse and claimed there was nothing “weird” about his interactions with the child actors.
“I mean, I’m always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of parents. There would never be a weird moment,” she said. “I don’t really remember picking up those guys. I remember picking up the guy who was following them. I’d pick him up and he’d laugh and that would get him ready to act.”
Busfield stated that the children were “never alone on set without the teacher, a social worker or a parent”. He also admitted that he and Gilbert bought the children presents for Christmas.
After news of the allegations broke, Busfield turned himself in to police while maintaining his innocence.
Melissa Gilbert was seen supporting husband Timothy Busfield at a hearing in a child sexual abuse case. Gilbert, 61, appeared in a New Mexico court on Tuesday, Jan. 20, as a Bernalillo County judge decided whether Busfield, 68, will be released from prison while awaiting trial. Gilbert was spotted sitting in the front row of (…)
“I didn’t do anything to these little kids,” Busfield claimed in a video obtained by TMZ. “And I will fight it. I will fight a great team, and I will be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all very wrong and a lie.”
Gilbert attended Tuesday’s hearing in support of her husband. The actress was also on the list list of witnesses in the case. In addition to standing by Busfield, Gilbert previously released a statement maintaining her husband’s innocence.
“During this period, she is focused on supporting and caring for her very large family as they navigate this time,” Gilbert’s rep said. “Melissa is standing by and supporting her husband and will address the public at the appropriate time.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Helpline for children at 1-800-422-4453.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact them National sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).