Timothy Busfield first appeared before a New Mexico judge as his legal crisis deepened, offering a bleak image far removed from his television legacy.
The brief hearing had swift consequences, denied freedom and set the tone for what lies ahead, as allegations spanning years, multiple accusers and disturbing assertions now converge into a rapidly unfolding legal drama.
Article continues below advertisement
Timothy Busfield appears before a judge
The 68-year-old actor made his first public appearance in a New Mexico court this week, marking a grim milestone in a case that has stunned both Hollywood and his longtime fans.
Wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, Timothy Busfield stood with his hands clasped, his expression fixed, as Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera discussed his status during a hearing that lasted just two minutes.
Despite its brevity, this moment carried enormous weight. Prosecutors had previously filed a motion asking that Busfield’s bond be denied while his case was transferred to a judge in Second Judicial District Court.
The judge agreed, issuing a decision that immediately changed the course of his legal future.
Article continues below advertisement
“You will continue to be held without bail,” she told him. She then added: “Your next hearing will take place within the next five business days. »
Busfield faces several criminal charges, including two counts of sexually assaulting twins and a new charge involving a 16-year-old girl.
The severity of the allegations stood in stark contrast to the actor’s long-standing public image built over decades in television and film.
Article continues below advertisement
A two-minute hearing with major issues
Although the courtroom exchange was brief, its implications were far-reaching.
The denial of bail ensures that Timothy Busfield will remain in custody while investigators and prosecutors continue to build their case.
It also shows how seriously the court treats the allegations, which span several years and involve several alleged victims.
Wednesday’s appearance marked the first time Busfield had been seen publicly since he posted a video addressing the accusations.
In this recording, shared with TMZthe actor described traveling 2,000 miles to Albuquerque to turn himself in to authorities. His tone was defiant as he flatly rejected the claims.
Article continues below advertisement
“I’m going to confront these lies,” Busfield said. “It’s all lies and I didn’t do anything.” He continued: “I’m going to fight with a great team, and I know I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all so false and these are lies.”
However, the courtroom made no such statement, only the quiet finality of a judgment that left little room for optimism.
Article continues below advertisement
Timothy Busfield responds to explosive allegations
Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, reinforced his client’s position shortly after the hearing.
Addressing the Daily MailStein said, “Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains that they are completely false.”
He added: “On a voluntary basis, he submitted to an independent polygraph examination regarding these allegations and he passed.”
The accusations themselves are radical. Busfield was accused last week of sexually assaulting twins on the set of the television series “The Cleaning Lady” between 2022 and 2024.
Days later, prosecutors added another charge involving a teenage girl.
Police say the alleged victim’s father said the incident happened “several years ago” at the Sacramento theater Busfield founded.
Court documents describe a disturbing encounter during a hearing. “During an audition for the defendant at the B Street Theater, the 16-year-old reported that he kissed her, put his hands down her pants, and touched her private parts,” the motion states.
The filing also alleges that Busfield then “begged the family not to go to law enforcement if he went to therapy,” and that the father, being “a therapist himself, believed at the time that it was the best thing to do.”
Article continues below advertisement
The expanding case and new charges
As Timothy Busfield surrendered to authorities in New Mexico, events were unfolding simultaneously thousands of miles away.
Armed officers reportedly used a battering ram to force entry during a 30-minute operation. No arrests were made at the residence and it remains unclear if Gilbert was with Busfield at the time he surrendered.
The investigation itself began months earlier. According to a criminal complaint, concerns were first raised in November 2024 when staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted police about young children potentially being treated on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.”
Busfield served as director and executive producer on the Fox series for three seasons, ending in June 2025.
An arrest warrant alleges disturbing behavior toward the children, including asking them to “call him Uncle Tim” and “tickle their stomachs and legs, even though they didn’t like tickling.”
Article continues below advertisement
Investigators look into Timothy Busfield’s past
At the time of the initial reports, no sexual contact was alleged.
That changed in October 2025, when a parent reported to Child Protective Services that their child had disclosed abuse. According to the affidavit, the child told a therapist that Busfield touched his “genitals” and “butt” while he was in a bedroom on set.
When questioned by detectives, Busfield admitted to what he described as “playful” contact with the children, but denied any wrongdoing.
Investigators also noted that during an interview with police on November 3, 2025, his wife was listening to him over a loudspeaker.
Busfield reportedly told authorities the allegations were a revenge plot by the twins’ parents after they refused to invite them back to the show.
As the case moves forward, the former Emmy-winning actor now faces a legal battle that threatens to overshadow his entire career, with his first court appearance offering little indication of relief to come.
