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

The 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 under legal scrutiny in New Mexico after turning himself in to police following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to a 2022 television production.

The 68-year-old Hollywood veteran's case has drawn public attention, with statements, denials, and actions from key figures and entertainment companies continuing to shape its developments.

Busfield Responds in Video

As reported by TMZ, Busfield surrendered to law enforcement on January 13, 2026, in Albuquerque, after an arrest warrant was issued on Friday, January 9. Earlier that week, the U.S. Marshals Service had assisted New Mexico authorities in locating him.

His mugshot has been released by authorities. In the photo, he appears wearing a light-colored shirt, with a neutral expression and slightly disheveled hair.

Busfield 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, the acclaimed actor responded in a video shared by TMZ. "I did not do anything to those little boys," he said. He added that he will also "confront these lies."

Following the video, his civil attorney, Larry Stein, suggested there may be ulterior motives behind the complaint. He cited a statement in the criminal filing from an actress, who claimed the boys’ mother vowed revenge after her sons were cut from the show's final season.

An internal investigation was also conducted by attorney Christina McGovern, who was retained by Warner Bros. to review the allegations. Speaking to TMZ, McGovern said:

"I conducted an independent and thorough investigation of all allegations known to the Studio at the time. Warner Bros. gave me full discretion as to my investigation. Based on what was alleged, and all evidence gathered, including multiple witness statements, I found no corroborating evidence that Mr. Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct or that he was ever alone with the twins on set."

Wife Issues Statement Through Rep

Shortly after Busfield's video response was shared, his wife, Melissa Gilbert, addressed circulating misinformation through her representative. In a statement provided to People, spokesperson Ame Van Iden said the 61-year-old actress is "not making public statements at this time."

Iden also stated, "Any purported 'statements' circulating online — including AI-generated deepfakes of her 'breaking her silence' — should not be treated as coming from her."

The statement explained that the "Little House on the Prairie" star is honoring a request from Busfield's legal counsel to remain silent during the ongoing legal process. The representative added:

"During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected."

Studios Respond to Allegations

Warner Bros. Television, which produces "The Cleaning Lady," also responded publicly following the allegations.

According to the arrest warrant, the victims' parents told Officer Marvin Kirk Brown that their sons met Busfield on the set of the FOX series, where he served as a director.

In a statement to People, a Warner Bros. spokesperson said:

"The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action."

The studio added that it "has been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement."

As developments unfolded, NBC also took action. The network pulled an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" featuring Busfield that had been scheduled to air on Thursday, January 15. It will be replaced by another episode of the long-running series that was originally slated for January 22.

Busfield, who won an Emmy for "Thirtysomething," is also known for roles in "Field of Dreams," "The West Wing," and "Revenge of the Nerds."