Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sexual Contact Charges in New Mexico
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor, faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child in New Mexico.
- The charges relate to allegations from child actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady."
- Busfield, who denies the allegations, was released on his own recognizance pending trial.
- The indictment covers incidents between October 2022 and September 2023, with potential penalties of six years per charge.
- Busfield's defense argues the case is "fundamentally unsound" and plans to challenge the evidence in court.
Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child in New Mexico, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office. The charges stem from allegations made by child actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed and produced.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The indictment, unsealed on Friday, supersedes previous charges announced by the county prosecutor. It alleges that Busfield, known for his roles in "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams," engaged in inappropriate contact with a minor between October 2022 and September 2023. The charges carry a potential penalty of six years in prison per count.
Busfield, 68, surrendered to authorities last month following the issuance of an arrest warrant. He was initially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A judge authorized his release on his own recognizance, requiring him to appear at all future court dates.
Defense and Denial
Busfield has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as "lies" in a video shared with TMZ. His civil attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, expressed concern over the indictment, arguing that the case is "fundamentally unsound" and cannot be proven at trial. Stein highlighted perceived weaknesses in the state's evidence, which he believes cannot be remedied by further charges.
Community and Legal Context
The case is being prosecuted by the special victims unit of the district attorney's office. District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the presumption of innocence and the importance of protecting children. Busfield's defense team has submitted over 70 character references and noted that he passed a polygraph test related to the allegations.
Public Reaction and Support
The allegations have sparked significant public interest, with Busfield's defense attorney, Amber Fayerberg, arguing that the actor has been "cancelled" by the state. She contends that this is not due to any wrongdoing but rather the societal climate.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the case progresses, the legal proceedings will likely draw significant media attention, given Busfield's high-profile status. If the case goes to trial, it could set a precedent for how allegations of this nature are handled in the entertainment industry. Legal experts suggest that the outcome may hinge on the strength of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense. The case also underscores the ongoing societal focus on safeguarding children in professional environments, potentially influencing future policies and practices in the industry.
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Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sexual Contact Charges in New Mexico
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor, faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child in New Mexico.
- The charges relate to allegations from child actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady."
- Busfield, who denies the allegations, was released on his own recognizance pending trial.
- The indictment covers incidents between October 2022 and September 2023, with potential penalties of six years per charge.
- Busfield's defense argues the case is "fundamentally unsound" and plans to challenge the evidence in court.
Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child in New Mexico, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office. The charges stem from allegations made by child actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed and produced.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The indictment, unsealed on Friday, supersedes previous charges announced by the county prosecutor. It alleges that Busfield, known for his roles in "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams," engaged in inappropriate contact with a minor between October 2022 and September 2023. The charges carry a potential penalty of six years in prison per count.
Busfield, 68, surrendered to authorities last month following the issuance of an arrest warrant. He was initially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A judge authorized his release on his own recognizance, requiring him to appear at all future court dates.
Defense and Denial
Busfield has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as "lies" in a video shared with TMZ. His civil attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, expressed concern over the indictment, arguing that the case is "fundamentally unsound" and cannot be proven at trial. Stein highlighted perceived weaknesses in the state's evidence, which he believes cannot be remedied by further charges.
Community and Legal Context
The case is being prosecuted by the special victims unit of the district attorney's office. District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the presumption of innocence and the importance of protecting children. Busfield's defense team has submitted over 70 character references and noted that he passed a polygraph test related to the allegations.
Public Reaction and Support
The allegations have sparked significant public interest, with Busfield's defense attorney, Amber Fayerberg, arguing that the actor has been "cancelled" by the state. She contends that this is not due to any wrongdoing but rather the societal climate.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the case progresses, the legal proceedings will likely draw significant media attention, given Busfield's high-profile status. If the case goes to trial, it could set a precedent for how allegations of this nature are handled in the entertainment industry. Legal experts suggest that the outcome may hinge on the strength of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense. The case also underscores the ongoing societal focus on safeguarding children in professional environments, potentially influencing future policies and practices in the industry.
Related Articles
Timothy Busfield Released from Jail Amid Child Sex Abuse Allegations
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New Mexico Reopens Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch
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