Melissa Gilbert stood visibly shaken in a New Mexico courtroom as a judge delivered a ruling that dramatically altered 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 shocked many who had expected a far harsher outcome.
Judge David Murphy, who made the ruling, authorized Busfield’s release on his own recognizance while the case moves toward trial. This decision allows Busfield to remain out of custody under strict supervision, provided he fully complies with court orders and attends all scheduled hearings. The judge emphasized 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 several conditions, including a ban 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 prohibited from contacting minors under 18, discussing the case with potential witnesses, and must notify the court of any changes to his residence. No trial date has yet been set.
As the judge read the conditions aloud, Gilbert appeared overwhelmed, wiping away tears. Observers described her reaction as reflecting the emotional toll the proceedings have had on the couple. The moment was particularly charged because state prosecutors had strongly opposed Busfield’s release, urging the court to keep him in custody.
According to Fox News, prosecutors argued that Busfield posed a potential risk and questioned whether he would fully comply with court restrictions. They cited allegations from actress Claudia Christian, who claimed that Busfield forcibly grabbed her and pushed her against a wall while they were working together on The Strays. Christian reportedly reported the incident to an assistant director at the time, using it to suggest 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 underwent 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 these arguments, ruling that supervised release was appropriate based on the available evidence and Busfield’s history of fulfilling his 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 revealed that the evaluation, conducted on January 17, aimed to assess his risk of committing sexual offenses compared to others convicted of similar crimes. The evaluation involved extensive questioning and included 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 these statements during her portion of the evaluation, reinforcing what evaluators described as a consistent and credible account.
The evaluation also included insights into Busfield’s views on intimacy, maturity, and emotional development. Evaluators noted that he expressed the belief that true intimacy requires emotional growth. He reportedly described sex as a natural part of human life linked to maturity, not impulsive desire. Busfield described meeting Gilbert as a transformative experience, stating that he hadn’t found his ideal partner until their relationship began.
Based on these findings, Busfield was classified as a “very low risk.” Evaluators highlighted his willingness to answer difficult questions, a long history of steady employment, strong family support, and consistent involvement in 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 their purpose is to show 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.
In addition to the evaluation, the court received more than 75 letters of support for Busfield. Several of these letters were written by Gilbert herself, in which she described her husband as her partner in both 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 his former Thirtysomething co-stars Ken Olin and Peter Horton, each vouching 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 informed the parents that the children showed signs consistent with grooming, according to court records.
The complaint states that the alleged misconduct began in 2022, when one of the children was seven, 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 vigorously and clear his name, expressing confidence that the legal process would ultimately exonerate him.
Busfield now faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor under 13 and one count of child abuse. If convicted on all charges, he could face 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 at the center of this unfolding and deeply consequential case.