Timothy Busfield Faces Indictment on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

The actor's lawyer calls the case "fundamentally unsound" and says it appears "driven by something other than the facts."

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Timothy Busfield, the star of the TV series "Thirtysomething," has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor in New Mexico. His lawyer, Larry Stein, is slamming the case, calling it "fundamentally unsound" and saying it "appears driven by something other than the facts." Busfield has denied the allegations and plans to fight the charges in court.

Why it matters

The case against Busfield raises concerns about the strength of the prosecution's evidence and the motivations behind the charges. It also highlights the challenges high-profile individuals can face when accused of sexual abuse, even when the facts may be in dispute.

The details

Busfield was indicted by a grand jury on Friday on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The allegations stem from his work directing two young boys on the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady" between November 2022 and spring 2024. Busfield is also facing a separate allegation of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl during an audition at his Sacramento theater in the past.

  • Busfield was indicted on the charges on February 6, 2026.
  • The alleged incidents with the two young boys occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
  • Busfield surrendered to authorities in New Mexico on January 13, 2026, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The players

Timothy Busfield

An actor best known for his role in the TV series "Thirtysomething," who has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.

Larry Stein

Busfield's lawyer, who is slamming the case against his client as "fundamentally unsound" and "driven by something other than the facts."

Melissa Gilbert

Busfield's wife, the star of "Little House on the Prairie," who has rallied around her husband in support and written a letter asking authorities to "protect him."

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What they’re saying

“The indictment was not unexpected. As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich. What is deeply concerning is that the District Attorney is choosing to proceed on a case that is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial.”

— Larry Stein, Busfield's lawyer (Entertainment Weekly)

“This is the strangest letter I've ever had to write. I began this letter with logic, but now the feelings have taken over. I can't help it. I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. So, I will close by asking you to please, please take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me.”

— Melissa Gilbert (Entertainment Weekly)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Busfield out on bail pending the start of his trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges high-profile individuals can face when accused of sexual abuse, even when the strength of the prosecution's evidence is in question. It also raises concerns about the motivations behind the charges and the potential for abuse of the criminal justice system.