Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert's Husband, Turns Himself in Days After Charges — He Just Broke His Silence

The 68-year-old Emmy-winning actor and director quietly surrendered to police in New Mexico. Now, he is speaking out in a video amid serious accusations.

Timothy Busfield is now facing legal scrutiny in New Mexico. Days earlier, he turned himself in to the police after a warrant was issued in connection with a 2022 television episode involving two child actors, which he directed.

A criminal investigation is now underway.

As reported by TMZ, Busfield surrendered to law enforcement on January 13, 2026, in Albuquerque, after an arrest warrant was issued earlier that month. He is charged with child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor, according to prosecutors.

The case involves two boys, ages seven and eight at the time, who appeared in a 2022 episode of "The Cleaning Lady," which was filmed in New Mexico. In 2024, their parents came forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct, prompting a police investigation.

Before turning himself in, Busfield responded in a video shared by TMZ. "I did not do anything to those little boys," he said. He said he will also "confront these lies."

Busfield's civil attorney, Larry Stein, challenged the credibility of the complaint. He cited a statement from an actress included in the criminal filing, who said the boys' mother was angry after her sons were removed from the show's final season and had allegedly vowed revenge.

Warner Bros. Television, which produces "The Cleaning Lady," launched an independent investigation following the allegations. Attorney Christina McGovern led the review and interviewed approximately a dozen individuals. She reported no corroborating evidence of misconduct and said Busfield was never alone with the children.

In a statement, Warner Bros. said it takes all allegations seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement. "The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions," the company said.

NBC has pulled an upcoming "Law & Order: SVU" episode featuring Busfield due to the ongoing investigation.

Busfield is known for his Emmy-winning role on "Thirtysomething," and has also appeared in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Revenge of the Nerds."