Actor Timothy Busfield is facing serious allegations of child sex abuse, which, if proven, could lead to a significant prison term.
Recently, Timothy Busfield, known for his acting and directing work, turned himself in to law enforcement after an arrest warrant was issued. This followed allegations that he had abused two 11-year-old twins during the production of a TV show.
The Albuquerque Police Department put out the warrant, and by January 13, Busfield was confirmed to be in police custody.
The police statement read: “Timothy Busfield has turned himself in at the Metro Detention Center. He will be booked on his warrant.”
He is now facing charges, including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
Before surrendering to authorities, Busfield maintained his innocence, asserting that he has committed no crimes and is determined to clear his name.
In a video obtained by TMZ, he stated: “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.
“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.”
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has disclosed the potential prison term Busfield could face if convicted of the alleged offenses.
According to New Mexico law, the 68-year-old could be sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison if found guilty of the charges. Each count of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 could result in up to six years in jail, and the additional charge of child abuse could add up to three years.
District Attorney Sam Bregman addressed the media, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges, stating: “The DA’s office in Albuquerque takes very seriously these type of charges, just like we do all the cases. Our job is to hold people accountable and that’s what we do.”
He continued: “I have personally tried cases of child abuse and sexual assault and … we hold everybody accountable and they are extremely serious.”
If you’ve been affected by these issues or need to talk to someone about child welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is available 24/7 and takes calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.