Actor Timothy Busfield appeared in court Tuesday, where a judge ruled that the 68-year-old could be released from custody and return home while awaiting trial on serious criminal charges involving a minor.
Timothy Busfield, best known for his role on The West Wing, was ordered released on his own recognizance by Judge David Murphy. Busfield will remain under supervision by a pretrial services program in Albuquerque as his case moves forward.
The actor faces charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13. The alleged incidents are connected to his time working as a director on the Fox television series The Cleaning Lady. Busfield has consistently denied all allegations and maintains his innocence.
As the judge announced the decision, Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, was visibly emotional in the courtroom. Witnesses said she sobbed and quietly mouthed, “Thank you, God,” as her husband was allowed to leave jail and return home.
Gilbert, 61, previously submitted a deeply personal letter to the court pleading for her husband’s release. In the letter, she described Busfield’s arrest as devastating and emotionally overwhelming.
“This is truly breaking my heart,” Gilbert wrote. “I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole.”
She continued by expressing her fear for his well-being behind bars, adding, “So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his — but I cannot protect him now.”
Busfield’s trial date has not yet been announced.
What's Up Team