Melissa Gilbert Returns to Work as Husband Timothy Busfield Faces Child Sex Abuse Charges

Gilbert acknowledges "incredibly difficult time" as Busfield indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Actress Melissa Gilbert has returned to her role as chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand and community, after stepping away to focus on her family during an "incredibly difficult time." This comes as her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, faces criminal child sex abuse charges and was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.

Why it matters

Gilbert's decision to return to work highlights the challenges faced by families when a loved one is accused of serious crimes. The case also raises concerns about child safety on entertainment sets and the broader issue of holding those in positions of power accountable for alleged abuse.

The details

In January, Busfield was arrested on child sex abuse charges, with two 11-year-old twins alleging he had touched them inappropriately while they were told to call him "Uncle Tim" on the set of "The Cleaning Lady." On February 6, a New Mexico grand jury indicted Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. Gilbert acknowledged the "incredibly difficult time" her family has faced, but said she is returning to work to focus on her purpose and the "Modern Prairie" community she has built.

  • In January, Busfield was arrested on child sex abuse charges.
  • On February 6, a New Mexico grand jury indicted Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.
  • Busfield's first arraignment is scheduled for March 10.

The players

Melissa Gilbert

An actress best known for her role on "Little House on the Prairie" who is the chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand and community.

Timothy Busfield

An actor known for his roles in "Thirtysomething" and "The West Wing" who has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.

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What they’re saying

“As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family. It was time I needed, time to be present, to tend to what matters most and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy. Family is everything to me and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully.”

— Melissa Gilbert (Instagram)

“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. The detention hearing exposed fatal weaknesses in the State's evidence – gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure.”

— Larry Stein, Busfield's attorney (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Busfield's first arraignment on the child sex abuse charges is scheduled for March 10.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges families face when a loved one is accused of serious crimes, as well as the need for thorough investigations and due process to ensure justice is served, especially when it involves allegations of child abuse.