Timothy Busfield gets 70 letters of support in child sex abuse case
- - Timothy Busfield gets 70 letters of support in child sex abuse case
KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY January 22, 2026 at 5:06 AM
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Timothy Busfield gets 70 letters of support in child sex abuse case
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Since he was taken into custody on child sex abuse charges, actor Timothy Busfield has garnered a solid support base of family friends and Hollywood colleagues.
More than 70 people wrote letters to a New Mexico judge attesting to the 68-year-old's character, according to a Jan. 16 court filing from Busfield's legal team reviewed by USA TODAY.
The character witnesses ranged from Busfield's kindergarten friends to neighbors, former costars and family members. His wife, the actor Melissa Gilbert, her children and mother Barbara Gilbert Cowan were among the relatives who submitted letters alongside Busfield's siblings and his son, Samuel Busfield.
"The West Wing" alum's costars on ABC's Emmy-winning series "Thirtysomething," including Polly Draper, Peter Horton, Mel Harris, Ken Olin, Patricia Wettig Olin and Melanie Mayron each wrote positive messages of support, as did showrunners Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick.
Timothy Busfield is be eligible for release from a New Mexico jail as he faces charges of child sex abuse, a judge ruled on Tuesday, Jan. 20, during a pretrial hearing in New Mexico. The ruling was made during Busfield's first in-person appearance in a New Mexico courtroom. A tearful Melissa Gilbert, who was seated behind her husband in the gallery, quietly celebrated the judge's decision.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Actor and director Timothy Busfield is be eligible for release from a New Mexico jail as he faces charges of child sex abuse, a judge ruled on Tuesday, Jan. 20, during a pretrial hearing in New Mexico. The ruling was made during Busfield's first in-person appearance in a New Mexico courtroom. A tearful Melissa Gilbert, who was seated behind her husband in the gallery, quietly celebrated the judge's decision.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jasjtU99kQKRE55CrK0qdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/102bbcd7c92ab977d82ccc8b519c25a9 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Actor and director Timothy Busfield is be eligible for release from a New Mexico jail as he faces charges of child sex abuse, a judge ruled on Tuesday, Jan. 20, during a pretrial hearing in New Mexico. The ruling was made during Busfield's first in-person appearance in a New Mexico courtroom. A tearful Melissa Gilbert, who was seated behind her husband in the gallery, quietly celebrated the judge's decision.
">Actor and director Timothy Busfield is be eligible for release from a New Mexico jail as he faces charges of child sex abuse, a judge ruled on Tuesday, Jan. 20, during a pretrial hearing in New Mexico. The ruling was made during Busfield's first in-person appearance in a New Mexico courtroom. A tearful Melissa Gilbert, who was seated behind her husband in the gallery, quietly celebrated the judge's decision.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jasjtU99kQKRE55CrK0qdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/102bbcd7c92ab977d82ccc8b519c25a9 class=caas-img>Busfield's wife attended and sat in the courtroom.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>During the Tuesday, Jan. 20, pretrial detention hearing, Judge David A. Murphy ruled there was no probable cause to show that "The West Wing" alum must remain behind bars due to a public safety risk. Murphy denied state prosecutors' motion and allowed the 68-year-old to be released of his own recognizance after spending a week in jail.Busfield's wife attended and sat in the courtroom.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nnbdPaXU5Ki5OlfICEXZTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53468fac4f83dbc3439b7079f19dc7c2 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
During the Tuesday, Jan. 20, pretrial detention hearing, Judge David A. Murphy ruled there was no probable cause to show that "The West Wing" alum must remain behind bars due to a public safety risk. Murphy denied state prosecutors' motion and allowed the 68-year-old to be released of his own recognizance after spending a week in jail.Busfield's wife attended and sat in the courtroom.
">During the Tuesday, Jan. 20, pretrial detention hearing, Judge David A. Murphy ruled there was no probable cause to show that "The West Wing" alum must remain behind bars due to a public safety risk. Murphy denied state prosecutors' motion and allowed the 68-year-old to be released of his own recognizance after spending a week in jail.Busfield's wife attended and sat in the courtroom.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nnbdPaXU5Ki5OlfICEXZTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53468fac4f83dbc3439b7079f19dc7c2 class=caas-img>Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Timothy Busfield greets defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd, right, before his hearing.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4hRs549943kpiu7j4w2iEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/162207e84f84104de9131eaa2c757bac class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Timothy Busfield greets defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd, right, before his hearing.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
">Timothy Busfield greets defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd, right, before his hearing.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4hRs549943kpiu7j4w2iEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/162207e84f84104de9131eaa2c757bac class=caas-img>He put on brown-rimmed glasses to read over documents with his lawyers in the minutes leading up to the judge's arrival.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Busfield walked into the courtroom wearing an orange prison uniform and socks with open-toed slippers. He put on brown-rimmed glasses to read over documents with his lawyers in the minutes leading up to the judge's arrival.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PDMR5FZKQ6JsASmq9msCiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677aa3de7813603a88b962195af43782 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield walked into the courtroom wearing an orange prison uniform and socks with open-toed slippers. He put on brown-rimmed glasses to read over documents with his lawyers in the minutes leading up to the judge's arrival.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
">Busfield walked into the courtroom wearing an orange prison uniform and socks with open-toed slippers. He put on brown-rimmed glasses to read over documents with his lawyers in the minutes leading up to the judge's arrival.Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse on Jan. 9, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PDMR5FZKQ6JsASmq9msCiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677aa3de7813603a88b962195af43782 class=caas-img>Gilbert previously submitted a letter in support of her actor husband and in it, called him "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Gilbert previously submitted a letter in support of her actor husband and in it, called him "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wCIJGs_EhYLcLGgFCX29sA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07b38daa69e784fc6199520d5c40d984 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Gilbert previously submitted a letter in support of her actor husband and in it, called him "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life."
">Gilbert previously submitted a letter in support of her actor husband and in it, called him "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wCIJGs_EhYLcLGgFCX29sA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07b38daa69e784fc6199520d5c40d984 class=caas-img>Busfield takes notes during the hearing.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ekQ6iH6FSBpU.Q55qmqomg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f372976ca0038b1e42d004a9dfdae1ff class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield takes notes during the hearing.
">Busfield takes notes during the hearing.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ekQ6iH6FSBpU.Q55qmqomg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f372976ca0038b1e42d004a9dfdae1ff class=caas-img>Busfield and his defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rzBuG4EQ6twT70qCCiRjPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/847b98ea8e0aa019b7e5d159688ffb20 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield and his defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd.
">Busfield and his defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rzBuG4EQ6twT70qCCiRjPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/847b98ea8e0aa019b7e5d159688ffb20 class=caas-img>Busfield reviews documents with his defense attorneys Amber Fayerberg and Christopher Allen Dodd.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cQFEnMId7uaLdPJlRnpN.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/736b163d78b352bfa28ee82f97459151 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield reviews documents with his defense attorneys Amber Fayerberg and Christopher Allen Dodd.
">Busfield reviews documents with his defense attorneys Amber Fayerberg and Christopher Allen Dodd.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cQFEnMId7uaLdPJlRnpN.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/736b163d78b352bfa28ee82f97459151 class=caas-img>Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg talks with the director.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uM3RJTVHP3bllajaGHlzwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21870fd1bf5025da4b5cee52f7e915ac class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg talks with the director.
">Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg talks with the director.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uM3RJTVHP3bllajaGHlzwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21870fd1bf5025da4b5cee52f7e915ac class=caas-img>Busfield looks on before his Tuesday hearing.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Lhn3.By8ehes9dSqh0fkvg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/abaa35dc04b87d19c6d31cbfb6716484 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield looks on before his Tuesday hearing.
">Busfield looks on before his Tuesday hearing.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Lhn3.By8ehes9dSqh0fkvg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/abaa35dc04b87d19c6d31cbfb6716484 class=caas-img>Busfield's wife attends his hearing.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1sVHdDlPqg8NxluaeqSPuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e82609a0ce2210b3b2a63b1c31ea6ec6 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Busfield's wife attends his hearing.
">Busfield's wife attends his hearing.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1sVHdDlPqg8NxluaeqSPuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e82609a0ce2210b3b2a63b1c31ea6ec6 class=caas-img>Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg, Timothy Busfield and defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd listen as Bernalillo Country Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, left, presents arguments.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q0uBmn8yRozvE10LgrRU7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/edb40d320c864141dab8e8f86162b73c class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg, Timothy Busfield and defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd listen as Bernalillo Country Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, left, presents arguments.
">Defense attorney Amber Fayerberg, Timothy Busfield and defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd listen as Bernalillo Country Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, left, presents arguments.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q0uBmn8yRozvE10LgrRU7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/edb40d320c864141dab8e8f86162b73c class=caas-img>Alan Caudillo, director of photography for the television show "The Cleaning Lady," was called to the witness stand by defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd (not pictured) during the Timothy Busfield hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zucj2F.QXFdg8BHgvJOjOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/75e4fef046f257f131c6c0ac151a501f class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Alan Caudillo, director of photography for the television show "The Cleaning Lady," was called to the witness stand by defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd (not pictured) during the Timothy Busfield hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
">Alan Caudillo, director of photography for the television show "The Cleaning Lady," was called to the witness stand by defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd (not pictured) during the Timothy Busfield hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zucj2F.QXFdg8BHgvJOjOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/75e4fef046f257f131c6c0ac151a501f class=caas-img>Defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd presents during the Timothy Busfield hearing.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t8hb2hB.8QEU45hL4EOyBg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0a23bdb0a2d5f0439eb23977522deffc class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
Defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd presents during the Timothy Busfield hearing.
">Defense attorney Christopher Allen Dodd presents during the Timothy Busfield hearing.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t8hb2hB.8QEU45hL4EOyBg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0a23bdb0a2d5f0439eb23977522deffc class=caas-img>An attendee wipes away tears after director and actor Timothy Busfield arrived for a hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aLT4DMXw_NFem3fteWwx1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/852c618a13ab4aa6723ff8d38113e1d9 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
An attendee wipes away tears after director and actor Timothy Busfield arrived for a hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
">An attendee wipes away tears after director and actor Timothy Busfield arrived for a hearing in the Second District Judicial Court at the Bernalillo County Courthouse on Jan. 20, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aLT4DMXw_NFem3fteWwx1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/852c618a13ab4aa6723ff8d38113e1d9 class=caas-img>An exterior view shows the Bernalillo County Courthouse ahead of director and actor Timothy Busfield's pre-trial detention hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lIpPjLYJMNkHpF4Jf.BsYA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4663ea03b3ab923b626d7880c12670e0 class=caas-img data-headline="Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges" data-caption="
An exterior view shows the Bernalillo County Courthouse ahead of director and actor Timothy Busfield's pre-trial detention hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
">An exterior view shows the Bernalillo County Courthouse ahead of director and actor Timothy Busfield's pre-trial detention hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lIpPjLYJMNkHpF4Jf.BsYA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4663ea03b3ab923b626d7880c12670e0 class=caas-img>
1 / 16Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield in court amid child sex abuse charges
Actor and director Timothy Busfield is be eligible for release from a New Mexico jail as he faces charges of child sex abuse, a judge ruled on Tuesday, Jan. 20, during a pretrial hearing in New Mexico. The ruling was made during Busfield's first in-person appearance in a New Mexico courtroom. A tearful Melissa Gilbert, who was seated behind her husband in the gallery, quietly celebrated the judge's decision.
Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. He is accused of "inappropriate physical contact" with two child actors, who were 7 and 8 years old at the time, as they worked on the Busfield-directed Fox series "The Cleaning Lady" between late 2022 and early 2024, according to prosecutors.
One of the boys, who has allegedly been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, disclosed during a safe house interview that Busfield had touched the child's genitals over clothing several times while they were on set. His twin brother "independently disclosed unwanted touching" by Busfield and "corroborated the pattern of inappropriate physical contact," per prosecutors.
Busfield has denied all claims, alleging the accusations are an act of retaliation after the boys were recast on the show.
'Thirtysomething' costars trust Timothy Busfield 'completely'
"I know Tim up close and personal, and over time. Tim is not only a great actor and a really good director, more than all of that, Tim is a good man. Through and through," Horton wrote, in part, in his letter to the judge, noting he's known his former costar for 38 years.
As an onscreen couple in "Thirtysomething," Wettig Olin wrote, "We had two children, ages three and six. Watching Tim on the set with those kids was extraordinary. He was delightful."
"They loved him and they trusted him completely. We had intimate scenes with them where we held them in bed with us and we played with them on the floor. I admired how easily Tim could give up his personal ego and any needs of his own, so he could be present to give them his complete focus and generous heart," she continued.
"He is a wonderful man and I trust him completely."
Busfield's defense attorneys gathered the dozens of letters in the span of about a week. He'd surrendered to authorities on Jan. 13, following an arrest warrant that was issued Jan. 9. In the hours after a judge denied the state's request to keep him behind bars until his trial, Busfield was released from jail on Jan. 20.
Melissa Gilbert's son Michael Boxleitner says 'Timothy Busfield is my hero'
Gilbert, the actor's wife of more than a decade, wrote in her letter to the judge that Busfield is "my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. He is my comfort and my council. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family."
Her mother, Gilbert Cowan, said "the world is a better place with Timothy Busfield in it," while her son Michael Boxleitner – Busfield's "youngest stepson" – wrote, "Timothy Busfield is my hero."
announced that she will support her husband, "West Wing" actor Timothy Busfield, amid alleged child sex abuse claims against him, in a statement provided to People magazine and Us Weekly. The couple married in 2013.See them in pictures together through the years, beginning here at the opening night party for "Medea" at the BAM Harvey Theater on Jan. 30, 2020, in New York City.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>"Little House on the Prairie" actor Melissa Gilbert announced that she will support her husband, "West Wing" actor Timothy Busfield, amid alleged child sex abuse claims against him, in a statement provided to People magazine and Us Weekly. The couple married in 2013.See them in pictures together through the years, beginning here at the opening night party for "Medea" at the BAM Harvey Theater on Jan. 30, 2020, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5n0dztkwggAGxD_04INoCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/265940eb0a62bef557838157a8f03172 class=caas-img data-headline="See actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert together in photos" data-caption="
"Little House on the Prairie" actor Melissa Gilbert announced that she will support her husband, "West Wing" actor Timothy Busfield, amid alleged child sex abuse claims against him, in a statement provided to People magazine and Us Weekly. The couple married in 2013.See them in pictures together through the years, beginning here at the opening night party for "Medea" at the BAM Harvey Theater on Jan. 30, 2020, in New York City.
">"Little House on the Prairie" actor Melissa Gilbert announced that she will support her husband, "West Wing" actor Timothy Busfield, amid alleged child sex abuse claims against him, in a statement provided to People magazine and Us Weekly. The couple married in 2013.See them in pictures together through the years, beginning here at the opening night party for "Medea" at the BAM Harvey Theater on Jan. 30, 2020, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5n0dztkwggAGxD_04INoCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/265940eb0a62bef557838157a8f03172 class=caas-img>Gilbert and Busfield attend the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5dOnEmVnkm5zYt8cVYKlMQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b5d2c52cffe054b527538785790195a1 class=caas-img data-headline="See actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert together in photos" data-caption="
Gilbert and Busfield attend the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
">Gilbert and Busfield attend the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5dOnEmVnkm5zYt8cVYKlMQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b5d2c52cffe054b527538785790195a1 class=caas-img>Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend the Nymphes D'Or award ceremony during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CdFlxO_SuvQEqGyboLULVw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/163becab46d642d3bc9699bcdb7771d3 class=caas-img data-headline="See actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert together in photos" data-caption="
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend the Nymphes D'Or award ceremony during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
">Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend the Nymphes D'Or award ceremony during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CdFlxO_SuvQEqGyboLULVw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/163becab46d642d3bc9699bcdb7771d3 class=caas-img>Gilbert and Busfield attend "The Butcher Boy" opening night at Irish Repertory Theatre on Aug. 1, 2022, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q9LOvi40VTQAhpgq9jeWzQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b7949e5f001939b040b6cdcf84ba6a67 class=caas-img data-headline="See actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert together in photos" data-caption="
Gilbert and Busfield attend "The Butcher Boy" opening night at Irish Repertory Theatre on Aug. 1, 2022, in New York City.
">Gilbert and Busfield attend "The Butcher Boy" opening night at Irish Repertory Theatre on Aug. 1, 2022, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q9LOvi40VTQAhpgq9jeWzQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b7949e5f001939b040b6cdcf84ba6a67 class=caas-img>
1 / 4See actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert together in photos
"Little House on the Prairie" actor Melissa Gilbert announced that she will support her husband, "West Wing" actor Timothy Busfield, amid alleged child sex abuse claims against him, in a statement provided to People magazine and Us Weekly. The couple married in 2013.See them in pictures together through the years, beginning here at the opening night party for "Medea" at the BAM Harvey Theater on Jan. 30, 2020, in New York City.
In prosecutors' motion for pretrial detention, it was revealed that the family of another alleged victim came forward.
A man, Colin Swift, told law enforcement on Jan. 13 that Busfield sexually abused his daughter "several years ago" in Northern California. The allegation is not part of the criminal complaint against the actor.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Timothy Busfield's 'Thirtysomething' costars submit letters of support
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
