Timothy Busfield Released from Jail as Wife Melissa Gilbert Expresses Relief

Actor freed on conditions while awaiting trial for child sex abuse charges he denies

Critical Developments:

• Timothy Busfield released from New Mexico detention center on January 20th
• Release came after two-hour pretrial detention hearing with strict conditions imposed
• Wife Melissa Gilbert “very, very excited” about reunion, according to attorney

Release from Custody

Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert are feeling positive following his release from custody.

The West Wing actor, 68, was released from Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on Tuesday, January 20th, one week after he surrendered to authorities and was charged with child sex abuse crimes. He has denied the claims against him.

Pretrial Hearing Outcome

Earlier Tuesday, Busfield appeared in a two-hour pretrial detention hearing, where a judge ruled he would be released on his own recognizance and with conditions while he awaits trial.

Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, exclusively tells PEOPLE that the actor “feels wonderful” following the ruling.

“He can reunite with Melissa,” Stein says, noting that Gilbert, 61, is “very, very excited.”

Family Support in Courtroom

The actress was in the courtroom for the hearing, alongside her mother Barbara Cowan, 89, her son Michael Boxleitner and Busfield’s brother, Buck.

After the judge announced Busfield’s release, Gilbert was seen in the courtroom crying and whispering, “Thank you, God.”

Previous Support Statements

Her whispers in court followed her previous support for Busfield, whom she married in April 2013. On January 13th, the day Busfield was charged, Gilbert’s representative Ame Van Iden issued a statement on her behalf that said, “Melissa stands with and supports her husband.”

Then, on January 16th, the Little House on the Prairie star was one of 75 people who wrote a letter in support of Busfield’s legal team’s opposition to the state’s motion for pretrial detention.

Her letter expressed her admiration for her husband, before she concluded with the plea: “Please, please, take care of my sweet husband.”

Criminal Charges Background

On January 9th, the Albuquerque Police Department issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest. Four days later, Busfield surrendered to authorities and was officially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor (child under 13) and one count of child abuse, per prosecutors.

Busfield allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys, 11-year-old twins, whose identities were withheld from the public, according to the warrant.

Before turning himself in, he said in a video obtained by TMZ that he “did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it.”

Judge’s Reasoning

During the January 20th ruling, the judge cited Busfield’s surrender, saying, “This defendant self-surrendered and submitted himself to this court’s jurisdiction, demonstrating compliance with the court order for his arrest.”

“I cannot find that the state has proven by clear and convincing evidence that there are no release conditions that would reasonably protect the safety of any younger person in the community,” the judge continued.

Release Conditions

Busfield has been ordered to appear for all his future court dates and is not allowed to possess any firearms or dangerous weapons, consume any alcohol or illegal drugs, have contact with the alleged victims or their families, discuss the case with any witnesses, or have unsupervised contact with any minor children.

He is allowed to travel; however, he will be under the supervision of Pretrial Services in New Mexico and must notify the court of his address.

Awaiting Trial

The release allows Busfield to await trial outside custody while adhering to strict court-imposed conditions. The charges he faces remain serious, involving allegations of criminal sexual contact with minors and child abuse—accusations he has consistently denied.

Family Rally Around Defendant

The strong show of family support, including Gilbert’s emotional courtroom reaction and the 75 character letters submitted on Busfield’s behalf, demonstrates the significant personal relationships backing the actor as he faces these allegations.

Gilbert’s public stance supporting her husband throughout the legal proceedings—from initial statements through courtroom attendance and letter-writing—reflects her unwavering belief in his innocence despite the gravity of the charges.

Legal Process Continues

While Busfield’s release represents a significant development in the case, it does not resolve the underlying criminal charges. The legal process will continue as he prepares his defense against the allegations while complying with the court-ordered conditions of his release.

The case highlights the tension between presumption of innocence and protection of alleged victims, with the judge ultimately determining that supervised release with strict conditions adequately addresses community safety concerns while allowing the defendant to prepare his defense outside custody.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.