Timothy Busfield Should Remain Behind Bars Until Trial, Prosecutor Says — See ‘The West Wing’ Actor’s Mugshot
Actor Timothy Busfield is behind bars tonight after surrendering to authorities in New Mexico.
The West Wing alum, 68, turned himself in to the Albuquerque police on January 13. Busfield has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor (child under 13) and one count of child abuse and is now in custody at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
“The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office intends to file a motion seeking to keep Mr. Busfield in custody while the case proceeds through the judicial process,” the DA’s offices said in a statement. “A judge will then determine whether Busfield remains detained or is released pending trial. The District Attorney’s Office routinely files pretrial detention motions in cases involving these types of charges.”
A warrant for Busfield’s arrest was issued on January 9. He is accused of inappropriate contact with two child actors on the set of Fox’s now-canceled drama The Cleaning Lady, on which he worked as a director.
Timothy Busfield calls allegations against him ‘lies’
Busfield has not yet appeared in court. But in a video obtained by TMZ, he denied any wrongdoing.
“I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer,” the actor, who lives in upstate New York, said. “Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
“They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it,” Busfield continued. “I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Busfield has been married to actor Melissa Gilbert since 2013. The Little House on the Prairie alum is standing by her husband.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” her representative, Ame Van Iden, said in a statement shared with NBC News. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.
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