ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Attorneys representing Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield argued in court on Friday for his release pending the resolution of child sex abuse charges. They contended that an independent probe has cast doubt on the state’s claims, highlighted the fraudulent history of the accusers’ parents, and noted that Busfield successfully passed a lie detector test.

Busfield was taken into custody without bail following his initial court appearance on Wednesday. This occurred after he voluntarily surrendered in response to accusations of inappropriate conduct with a minor during the filming of a television series in New Mexico.

A judge is slated to conduct a detention hearing on Tuesday to decide whether Busfield will continue to be held in custody.

Last week, Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. According to a criminal complaint, these incidents allegedly took place on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a series shot in Albuquerque.

Prior to turning himself in, Busfield released a video statement vehemently denying the allegations. The actor, who is married to Melissa Gilbert, is widely recognized for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething.”

According to the criminal complaint, an investigator with the police department says the child reported Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing on one occasion when he was 7 years old and another time when he was 8.

The boy’s twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but did not specify where. He said he didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to get in trouble.

Busfield’s attorneys said in court filings that the allegations against him 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 father and mother.

They cited an investigation by Warner Bros. into the allegations, which they said prosecutors didn’t include in their criminal complaint, found the allegations unfounded. Independent witnesses supported the report’s conclusions, the court filings said.

Busfield also submitted letters vouching for his character. His passing of the polygraph test aligns with the other information submitted, his attorneys said.

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.