Melissa Gilbert stood visibly shaken inside a New Mexico courtroom as a judge delivered a ruling that shifted the course of her husband’s legal battle. As the decision was read aloud, the longtime actress struggled to contain her emotions while the court ordered the pretrial release of her husband, Timothy Busfield, a moment that stunned many observers who had expected a far harsher outcome.
The ruling came from Judge David Murphy, who authorized Busfield’s release on his own recognizance while the case moves toward trial. The decision allows Busfield to remain out of custody under strict supervision, provided he complies fully with court orders and attends all scheduled proceedings. The judge stated plainly that there was no evidence Busfield had violated any laws while awaiting his hearing.
Busfield, 68, will now be monitored by pretrial services in Albuquerque. The court imposed a long list of conditions, including a prohibition on possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, mandatory abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs, and a strict no-contact order with the alleged victims and their families. He is also barred from having any contact with minors under the age of 18, forbidden from discussing the case with potential witnesses, and required to notify the court of any changes to his residence. No trial date has been scheduled.
As the judge read the conditions into the record, Gilbert appeared overwhelmed. Observers in the courtroom described her wiping away tears, her reaction reflecting the emotional strain the proceedings have placed on the couple. The moment carried added weight because state prosecutors had strongly opposed Busfield’s release, urging the court to keep him in custody.
According to reporting by Fox News, the prosecution argued that Busfield posed a potential risk and questioned whether he would fully comply with court restrictions. Prosecutors pointed to allegations made by actress Claudia Christian, who claimed Busfield forcibly grabbed her and pushed her against a wall while they were working together on The Strays. The state said Christian reported the incident to an assistant director at the time, using it to argue a pattern of concerning behavior.
Prosecutors also raised concerns about Busfield’s actions after a warrant was issued for his arrest. They told the court that instead of immediately turning himself in, Busfield traveled nearly 2,000 miles and submitted to a polygraph examination before reporting to authorities. While acknowledging that defendants are entitled to prepare a defense, the state argued that his actions suggested selective compliance with the legal process.
Judge Murphy rejected those arguments, determining that supervised release was appropriate based on the available evidence and Busfield’s history of appearing for court obligations.
In the days leading up to his arrest, Busfield underwent a psychosexual evaluation requested by his legal team. Court documents cited by Fox News state that the evaluation was completed on January 17 and was designed to assess his risk of committing sexual offenses compared with individuals convicted of similar crimes. The assessment involved extensive questioning and incorporated corroborating statements provided by Gilbert.
According to the report, Busfield described his marriage as stable and deeply supportive. Both he and Gilbert characterized their relationship as fulfilling, emphasizing emotional closeness and companionship. Gilbert reportedly confirmed those statements during her portion of the evaluation, reinforcing what evaluators described as a consistent and credible account.
The evaluation also detailed Busfield’s views on intimacy, maturity, and emotional development. Evaluators wrote that he expressed the belief that true intimacy requires a certain level of personal and emotional growth. He reportedly described sex as a natural part of human life connected to maturity rather than impulse. Busfield told evaluators that meeting Gilbert represented a major turning point, stating that he had not found the partner he truly wanted until their relationship began.
Based on the findings, Busfield was classified as “very low risk.” Evaluators cited his willingness to answer difficult questions, a long history of steady employment, a strong family support system, and consistent involvement in what they described as prosocial activities.
Legal analyst Donna Rotunno explained that such evaluations are often used strategically in pretrial hearings. Speaking to Fox News, she noted that defendants are required to answer honestly during these assessments and that their purpose is to demonstrate to the court that the individual does not pose a danger to the community. She added that interviewing a spouse is standard practice, as it helps assess consistency and credibility.
Beyond the evaluation, the court received more than 75 letters submitted in support of Busfield. Several were written by Gilbert herself, in which she described her husband as her partner in life and work. She referred to him as her “love” and her “rock,” praising his compassion, integrity, and sense of humor. Gilbert told the court that she knew him more intimately than anyone else and portrayed him as a man guided by strong moral values.
In one of the most emotional passages, Gilbert wrote directly to the judge about the pain of watching her husband face criminal charges without being able to protect him. She described that helplessness as devastating, underscoring the toll the case has taken on their marriage.
Additional letters came from Busfield’s stepson, Michael, as well as former Thirtysomething co-stars Ken Olin and Peter Horton, who each vouched for his character and professionalism.
The charges Busfield faces are severe. According to a criminal complaint obtained by ABC News, he is accused of inappropriately touching two 11-year-old twins while working on the set of The Cleaning Lady. One of the children alleged that the incident occurred in a bedroom used on set. Medical professionals later told the parents that the children displayed signs consistent with grooming, according to court records.
The complaint states that the alleged conduct began in 2022, when one of the children was seven years old, and continued until 2024. Busfield was arrested on January 13 after a warrant was issued several days earlier.
Following his arrest, Busfield publicly denied all allegations. He stated that he intended to fight the charges aggressively and clear his name, saying he traveled to Albuquerque to confront what he described as false claims. He expressed confidence that the legal process would ultimately vindicate him.
Busfield now faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under the age of 13 and one count of child abuse. If convicted on all charges, he could receive a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty, and the case remains ongoing as the court prepares for future hearings.
As the legal battle continues, the courtroom scene that left Melissa Gilbert in tears stands as a stark reminder of the uncertainty ahead, not only for the accused, but for the family caught at the center of an unfolding and deeply consequential case.
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