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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Actress Melissa Gilbert is expected to potentially address the court on Tuesday during a detention hearing concerning her husband, Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor. Busfield faces serious allegations of child sex abuse related to claims of inappropriate conduct with a minor on a television series set.
Known for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” Busfield was denied bail last week following his initial court appearance. Before surrendering to authorities, Busfield released a video vehemently denying the accusations. Gilbert, widely recognized for her role as Laura Ingalls in the iconic TV series “Little House on the Prairie,” is listed as a potential witness for the proceedings.
Earlier this month, the Albuquerque police department issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on two charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one charge of child abuse. The allegations are linked to incidents that purportedly took place on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a series directed by Busfield and filmed in Albuquerque.
The criminal complaint details an investigator’s account where a child claimed that Busfield touched him inappropriately over his clothing, once at age 7 and again at age 8. The boy’s twin brother also reported similar encounters with Busfield but did not provide specific details, fearing repercussions if he spoke out.
In a bid to counter these allegations, Busfield’s legal team submitted two brief audio recordings from initial police interviews, wherein the children stated that Busfield did not touch them inappropriately. The attorneys argue in court that the complaint misrepresents these interviews, suggesting that the children’s clear denial of abuse is notably different from simply failing to disclose any wrongdoing.
According to the criminal complaint, one of the boys disclosed during a therapy session that he was inappropriately touched by the show’s director. Those records were obtained by police during the investigation.
Busfield’s attorneys have argued that the allegations emerged only after the boys lost their role in the TV show, creating a financial and retaliatory motive. The filings detailed what the attorneys said was a history of fraud by both the boys’ father and mother. They cited an investigation by Warner Bros. into the allegations that found the allegations unfounded.
Busfield also submitted letters vouching for his character, and his attorneys say he passed an independent polygraph test.
Legal experts say New Mexico is among a few states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but a judge has final say over whether one can be used. There are strict requirements for admission.