Actress Melissa Gilbert has publicly expressed her support for her husband, Timothy Busfield, following his decision to surrender to authorities in New Mexico amid serious criminal allegations involving minors.
The situation developed quickly over the past week. Law enforcement officials reported that a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest after investigators alleged that he had engaged in unlawful sexual conduct involving 11-year-old twin boys during the production of The Cleaning Lady. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred while Busfield was working on the show’s set.
On January 13, Busfield voluntarily turned himself in at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque. A spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department confirmed that he surrendered without incident several days after the warrant had been issued.
Busfield, 68, remains in custody while prosecutors determine the next steps in the case. According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, he has been formally charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, as well as one count of child abuse. Prosecutors have indicated that they intend to request Busfield remain detained while the case proceeds through the court system.
“A judge will ultimately decide whether Mr. Busfield remains in custody or is released pending trial,” officials said, noting that motions for pretrial detention are common in cases involving allegations of this nature.
Shortly before turning himself in, Busfield released a video message that circulated widely online. In it, he strongly denied the allegations, describing them as false. He explained that he received notice of the warrant late on a Friday, immediately retained legal counsel, and then traveled from California to Albuquerque to face the charges.
“I’m going to confront these lies,” he said in the video. “They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys. I’m going to fight this, and I know I’m going to be exonerated.”
Busfield added that he trusted the truth would come out and expressed gratitude to those who had offered support, saying he hoped to return to work once the matter was resolved.
As the legal process began, attention turned to his wife, Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role on Little House on the Prairie. Through a representative, Gilbert confirmed that she would not make detailed public statements while the case remains active. The representative explained that she is following her husband’s legal team’s advice to stay silent as proceedings unfold.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family as they navigate this moment,” the statement said. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013 and have often spoken publicly about their close-knit family and shared values. In recent years, the couple has maintained a relatively quiet life away from Hollywood, focusing on family, writing, and advocacy. The current situation marks a dramatic and unexpected turn for a couple long viewed as stable and grounded within the entertainment community.
The allegations have shocked both the industry and the public, especially given Busfield’s long career as an actor, director, and producer. An Emmy-winning performer, he has appeared in numerous television series and films over decades, often portraying authoritative or compassionate figures. The charges now pending against him starkly contrast with his public persona.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the legal process must run its course. They have not released detailed information about the alleged incidents, citing the age of the alleged victims and the need to protect their identities.
Legal experts note that cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse are complex and emotionally charged, typically involving extensive evidence review, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Prosecutors have indicated that the charges are serious enough to warrant pretrial detention, although the final decision rests with the court.
Meanwhile, Gilbert’s decision to publicly support her husband has drawn mixed reactions. Some observers expressed sympathy for her position, while others criticized the statement as premature given the severity of the allegations. Supporters argue that standing by a spouse during unresolved legal proceedings does not equate to dismissing the accusations, but reflects a personal commitment until facts are established in court.
For now, Gilbert has withdrawn from public life, focusing on family matters and declining interviews. Those close to the couple say the priority is maintaining stability for their children and extended family while preparing for what may become a lengthy legal battle.
Busfield remains in custody as prosecutors prepare filings, and a judge is expected to review the pretrial detention request in the coming days. Until then, the case continues to unfold under intense public scrutiny, with both sides signaling readiness for a prolonged legal process.
Authorities and legal representatives have urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing that the charges remain allegations and that Busfield is entitled to due process. The coming weeks are likely to bring further hearings, motions, and potentially additional information as the case moves through the judicial system.