Timothy Busfield Child Sex Abuse Trial: Actor Released Under Strict Conditions

He's out of jail, but his career is on ice. The West Wing star Timothy Busfield won't remain behind bars as he awaits his day in court. According to Entertainment Weekly, a New Mexico judge ruled on January 20, 2026, that the actor can be released pending trial on charges involving the sexual abuse of a minor.

Terms of the Timothy Busfield Child Sex Abuse Trial Release

While the judge acknowledged that Busfield could pose a danger due to the severity of the allegations, she didn't find sufficient evidence of a criminal pattern. Consequently, Busfield is permitted to leave New Mexico but must adhere to strict guidelines. He's prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with minors, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, and contacting the alleged victims or their families.

The charges stem from an immediate investigation into incidents alleged to have occurred on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady.' Two twin child actors claimed Busfield inappropriately touched them while he was directing and producing the series. Busfield, who surrendered to authorities on January 13, continues to deny all allegations.

Industry Fallout and Legal Defense

The fallout has been immediate. Amazon MGM Studios announced they'll digitally remove Busfield from an upcoming romantic comedy. His defense team argued that the actor has already been effectively 'canceled,' making him 'persona non grata' in the industry. However, he's not without support; his wife, Melissa Gilbert, and several former costars have provided letters of support to the court. If convicted, he faces at least three years in state prison.