Busfield Lawyers Cite Accusers’ Parents’ Fraud History in New Filing
Busfield Lawyers Cite Accusers’ Parents’ Fraud History in New Filing
Lawyers for Timothy Busfield allege the parents of the alleged victims have a 'history of fraud' as they push for release in a New Mexico child-sex abuse case.
Timothy Busfield’s defense team filed a motion opposing pretrial detention, arguing that the prosecutors should not keep him in custody while he awaits trial on child-sex abuse charges. The filing claims the parents of the two 11-year-old boys, who acted on The Cleaning Lady, have a long history of fraud and dishonesty, describing their past as “extraordinarily checkered.” It also says the mother was heard stating she would “get her revenge against Tim Busfield.”
Busfield, 68, surrendered to Albuquerque police on January 13 and faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico. The allegations center on unlawful sexual conduct with the twin boys who worked as child actors on the FOX series and who were on set when the incidents purportedly occurred. Busfield has denied all charges and has spoken publicly about fighting what he calls lies, while his legal team seeks his release ahead of trial.
In the new opposition filing submitted January 16, Busfield’s lawyers contend the state’s motion for pretrial detention lacks justification and they emphasize the parents’ motive—money and revenge—as a key reason to grant release. They also argue there are questions about the prosecution’s case, noting that Busfield reportedly passed a polygraph test and that there are ongoing questions about the prior studio investigations referenced in the filing. The filing comes as Busfield remains in custody in New Mexico, with a pretrial detention hearing set for January 20.
The is a high-profile case due to Busfield’s long career and his marriage to actress Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie fame. The latest filing, obtained in mid-January, adds a dramatic twist by focusing on the accusers’ families as the legal process continues to unfold.
