Overview
- Busfield, 68, is charged in New Mexico with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse tied to alleged on‑set conduct with two child actors on The Cleaning Lady from 2022 to 2024.
- After surrendering on January 13, he appeared in court January 14 and was ordered held without bond pending a pretrial detention hearing set for January 20, with a preliminary hearing deadline of January 29.
- A new court filing describes an uncharged allegation that a then‑16‑year‑old was abused during an audition at Sacramento’s B Street Theatre about 25 years ago; the theater says it retained counsel and that Busfield has had no role there since 2001.
- Warner Bros. says a third‑party review found no corroborating evidence of on‑set misconduct, while prosecutors argue the inquiry failed to interview a victim, parents and key witnesses; the studio provided its report to police.
- Busfield and his lawyer deny the accusations, his wife Melissa Gilbert has voiced support, his talent agency Innovative Artists has ended representation, and the district attorney says the charges carry up to 15 years in prison if convicted.