Melissa Gilbert has pledged her unwavering support for her husband, Timothy Busfield, following his surrender to police due to allegations of child sex abuse.
Busfield reported to authorities on January 13, following a warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department four days prior. The allegations involve accusations of unlawful sexual activities with 11-year-old twin boys on the set of The Cleaning Lady. Busfield has consistently maintained his innocence concerning these accusations.
Currently held in custody as prosecutors deliberate on whether he should remain detained until his trial, his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, released a statement addressing his arrest.
Through her representative, Gilbert communicated her decision to “honor the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
Nonetheless, she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting her husband and their extended family, stating: “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.”
“Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Busfield faces formal charges involving two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, as stated by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors aim to maintain his detention as he awaits trial.
“Timothy Busfield is currently in custody at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center,” authorities announced in a statement.
“He has been charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor (child under 13) and one count of Child Abuse.”
“The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office plans to file a motion to keep Mr. Busfield in custody during the judicial process,” the statement elaborates.
“A judge will then decide whether Busfield stays detained or is released awaiting trial. The District Attorney’s Office frequently files pretrial detention motions in cases involving similar charges.”
Prior to his surrender, Busfield addressed the situation in a widely circulated video, asserting: “I did not do anything wrong.”
“Hi everybody, it’s Tim,” the video began. “I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
He continued, “They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
“So hang in there and hopefully I’m out real soon and back to work,” he concluded. “I love everybody for supporting me, thank you.”
For those impacted by these matters or seeking confidential advice regarding child welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline is available at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), operating 24/7 for calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.