January 21, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Albuquerque, New Mexico — Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield has been ordered released from custody by a New Mexico judge as he awaits trial on serious child sex abuse and child abuse charges, following a contentious pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The decision marks a dramatic turn in the high-profile case that has drawn widespread media attention.
Busfield, 68, known for roles on The West Wing, Thirtysomething and numerous film and television productions, was initially taken into custody earlier this month after surrendering to authorities on an arrest warrant issued in connection with a criminal complaint alleging he inappropriately touched two young actors — twin boys — while working as a director on the Fox television drama The Cleaning Lady.
At the hearing, State District Court Judge David Murphy determined the evidence presented by prosecutors did not justify continued detention, describing the current case against Busfield as legally “neutral” at this stage. The judge ruled that pretrial supervision and conditions of release — including no contact with alleged victims, no unsupervised access to minors and other restrictions — would adequately protect the public while the legal process unfolds.
Under the terms of his release, Busfield must comply with strict conditions: he is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims or their families, forbidden from having unsupervised interaction with minors, and barred from possessing firearms, alcohol or illegal substances. He also must attend all future court proceedings and remain under supervision by a pretrial services agency in Albuquerque.
Prosecutors allege the acts occurred over a period of approximately two years, beginning when the twin boys were around 7 and 8 years old, and were initially brought to law enforcement’s attention after one of the children disclosed concerns during a therapy session in 2025. Law enforcement records indicate the Albuquerque Police Department received the report following a physician’s referral.
During court arguments, prosecutors described the allegations against Busfield as “specific and not exaggerated,” citing medical findings and therapeutic records; however, defense counsel highlighted recordings from earlier police interviews in which the boys initially denied inappropriate touching, and argued there was no history of similar accusations against Busfield.
Busfield has vehemently denied the allegations, characterizing them as “lies” and stating his intent to vigorously contest the charges. Prior to his surrender, Busfield shared a video statement asserting his innocence; his legal team has also asserted that the parents of the boys may be motivated by disputes arising from their children losing roles on the television series.
The internationally-recognized actor’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, was present at the hearing and became emotional as the judge announced the release decision. Gilbert and others submitted numerous letters of support on Busfield’s behalf, praising his character and urging the court to consider his ties to family and community.
The case remains pending, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29, 2026, at which prosecutors will seek to establish probable cause to proceed toward trial.
As the legal process continues, the decision to release Busfield has sparked discussion within entertainment circles and legal communities about pretrial standards in sensitive cases involving allegations of abuse, balancing defendants’ rights with community and victim protections.