Timothy Busfield pleads not guilty to child sex abuse charges

The "Field of Dreams" actor denies allegations of criminal sexual contact with minors as his trial approaches in New Mexico.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Timothy Busfield, the 68-year-old actor known for his role in the film "Field of Dreams", has pleaded not guilty to four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. Busfield was indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico and has requested to waive his arraignment and appearances in court for all pretrial proceedings. The initial witness list includes four people who have previously accused Busfield of sexual misconduct. Busfield has denied all the charges, saying "I did not do anything. They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it."

Why it matters

The case against Busfield raises serious concerns about the alleged sexual abuse of minors, a crime that has devastating impacts on victims. As a well-known actor, the charges against Busfield have drawn significant public attention and will likely have lasting repercussions for his career if he is found guilty.

The details

According to court documents, Busfield was indicted by a grand jury on February 6 on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. He pleaded not guilty on February 10 and requested to waive his arraignment and appearances in court for all pretrial proceedings, which was granted by the judge. The initial witness list put together by state prosecutors includes four people who have previously accused Busfield of sexual misconduct.

  • Busfield was indicted by a grand jury on February 6, 2026.
  • Busfield pleaded not guilty on February 10, 2026.
  • Busfield turned himself in and was booked by authorities on January 13, 2026, just four days after the Albuquerque Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest.

The players

Timothy Busfield

A 68-year-old actor known for his role in the film "Field of Dreams", who has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.

Melissa Gilbert

Busfield's wife, who is an actress known for her role in "Little House on the Prairie".

Sam Bregman

The Bernalillo County District Attorney, who announced Busfield's indictment and stated that protecting children remains a top priority for his office.

Larry Stein

Busfield's civil attorney, who stated that the "indictment was not unexpected" and that the prosecution "appears driven by something other than the facts or the law".

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What they’re saying

“I did not do anything. They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

— Timothy Busfield (TMZ)

“As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich. 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. This prosecution appears driven by something other than the facts or the law. Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State's case in open court - where evidence matters - not behind closed doors.”

— Larry Stein, Busfield's civil attorney (PEOPLE)

“Protecting children remains a top priority for his office.”

— Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County District Attorney (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Busfield out on bail while he awaits trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious nature of allegations of child sexual abuse, even against well-known public figures. It underscores the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation, as well as the need to protect the rights of both the alleged victims and the accused.