Actor Timothy Busfield was released from custody on Tuesday, Jan. 20, following a court ruling that allows him to remain free under conditions while awaiting trial on child sex abuse charges.
Busfield, 68, had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, since surrendering to authorities one week earlier. He has denied all allegations against him.
Earlier Tuesday, Busfield appeared in a pretrial detention hearing that lasted approximately two hours. A judge ruled that he would be released on his own recognizance, citing his voluntary surrender and compliance with court orders.
Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, said the actor was relieved by the decision and looking forward to reuniting with his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert.
According to Stein, Gilbert, 61, was “very, very excited” following the ruling.
Gilbert attended the hearing alongside her mother, Barbara Cowan, her son Michael Boxleitner, and Busfield’s brother, Buck. After the judge announced the release decision, Gilbert was seen crying in the courtroom and quietly saying, “Thank you, God.”
Gilbert has publicly supported Busfield since the charges were filed. On Jan. 13, the day Busfield was formally charged, a statement issued on her behalf said that she stood by and supported her husband. Days later, she was among dozens of individuals who submitted letters opposing the state’s request to keep Busfield detained before trial.
In her letter, Gilbert praised her husband’s character and asked the court to “please, please, take care of my sweet husband.”
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on Jan. 9. He surrendered four days later and was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 and one count of child abuse, according to prosecutors.
The charges stem from allegations that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old boys. The identities of the alleged victims have not been made public.
Prior to surrendering, Busfield denied the allegations in a video statement, saying he did not commit the acts and intended to fight the charges.
In granting Busfield’s release, the judge noted that he had voluntarily turned himself in and demonstrated respect for the court’s authority. The judge said the state had not met the burden of proving that no conditions could reasonably protect the community if Busfield were released.
As part of the release order, Busfield must comply with multiple conditions. He is required to attend all future court hearings and is prohibited from possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, contacting the alleged victims or their families, communicating with witnesses, or having unsupervised contact with minors.
Busfield is permitted to travel but will remain under the supervision of New Mexico Pretrial Services and must keep the court informed of his address.
The case remains pending.