Busfield Fights Jail Time as Defense Argues Lack of Evidence in Child-Sex Case

Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-winning actor known for Thirtysomething, remains in custody in Albuquerque on two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse, as prosecutors seek to keep him jailed pending trial. His lawyers and allies — including his wife Melissa Gilbert and fellow Thirtysomething castmates — contend the state’s case lacks genuine evidence of dangerousness and point to an independent review, polygraph results, and a favorable ABEL assessment supporting release under supervision. A pre-trial detention hearing is set for January 20; depending on the ruling, Busfield could be released on bail or remain in custody. He surrendered January 13 and has been held without bond, with reports of a new allegation involving two brothers who appeared on a project he directed. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to about a decade in state prison.