How Timothy Busfield faces charges of alleged child sexual abuse, Melissa Gilbertthe youngest son of Michael Boxleitnercalled his stepfather a “hero” in a character letter written to a judge.
Michael, 30, son of Little house on the prairie alumnus, 61 years old and actor Bruce Boxleitner – found himself “overwhelmed with emotion” and “flooded with so many memories” of his teenage years with his mother and stepfather as he struggled to find the words to describe Busfield.
“The answer that always comes back to me is that Timothy Busfield is my hero,” he wrote, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, January 16. “Since we met, he’s shown me more as a father in the 15 years I’ve known him than my own biological father in my entire life.”
Calling him “kind” and “thoughtful,” Michael said Timothy “conducts himself with unconditional integrity” that he’s been able to witness, not only as his stepson, but also as an actor. She said her stepfather makes “every day at work worth showing up for” and “creates a space where everyone feels welcome and equal,” while “filling the days with light and laughter” and maintaining a “professional environment.”
Timothy Busfield was a father of three before forming a blended family with wife Melissa Gilbert. Busfield was first married to ex-wife Radha Delamarter from 1981 to 1986. The couple welcomed son Wilson during this time. After his separation from Delamarter, Busfield continued with Jennifer Merwin, whom he married in 1988. They welcomed Samuel (…)
Michael continued, “Your honor, the quality of Tim’s character is unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and probably never will. There is no man on earth more worthy of respect, kindness, and care in my eyes. Despite all the times he’s stepped up for me, right now at this moment, I feel so powerless to do the same for him, so I’m asking your honor.”
Timothy Busfield
Steven Ferdman/Getty ImagesMelissa he also wrote a letter of praise the West Wing actor, 68 years old, as a father figure. Noting that her youngest son was an “angst-ridden teenager trying to figure out his place in the world” when they married, she said Timothy “nurtured and guided Michael” over the years.
“He admonished, praised, loved, comforted, tricked, worried, cared for and nurtured my son both physically and spiritually,” the 61-year-old added. “I will never be able to express the depth of gratitude I have to God for bringing this wonderful human into our lives.”
How we previously reported, the A thirty the alum was taken into police custody on January 13 after being accused of inappropriately touching twin boys multiple times on the set of The cleaning woman from 2022 to 2024.
He has denied all charges and his legal team is currently fighting against his remand.
“The state provides no reliable evidence “Only allegations presented by witnesses with a documented record of fraud and financial exploitation, contradicted by a thorough investigation by the study, and refuted by witnesses and objective risk assessments,” says the court file obtained by Us. “The Constitution does not allow freedom to be lost on this basis. The state’s motion should be denied.”
If convicted of all charges, Timothy could face up to 15 years in prison.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Helpline for children at 1-800-422-4453.