Albuquerque, New Mexico — Lawyers for Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield said in court Friday that he should be released while he awaits the outcome of the case. Accusations of child sexual abuse Against him because an independent investigation undermined the state’s claims, the defendants’ parents had a history of fraud and dishonesty, and he passed a polygraph test.
It was Busfield A contract order without a document In his first appearance in court on Wednesday After he turned himself in To face charges stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor while filming a television series he was directing in New Mexico.
A judge is scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday to determine whether Bousfield will remain in prison.
Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for him last week on two counts of criminal sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of child abuse. A criminal complaint alleges that the acts occurred during the filming of the series “Cleaning Lady,” which was filmed in the city.
In a video shared before he turned himself in, Busfield called the allegations lies. Busfield, who’s who? Married to actor Melissa Gilbertknown for his appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething.”
According to the criminal complaint, a police department investigator says the child reported Busfield touching him in private areas over his clothes on one occasion when he was 7 years old, and another time when he was 8 years old.
The boy’s twin brother told authorities that Busfield was also affected, but did not specify where. He said he didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to get in trouble.
Busfield’s lawyers said in court filings that the accusations against him only came to light after the two boys lost their roles on the TV show, creating a financial and retaliatory motive. The files detail what lawyers said was a history of fraud by both the father and mother.
They cited the investigation by Warner Bros. On those allegations, which they said prosecutors did not include in their criminal complaint, they found the allegations to be baseless. Court documents said independent witnesses supported the report’s conclusions.
Busfield also sent letters proving his character. His lawyers said his passing a polygraph test was consistent with other information provided.
Legal experts say New Mexico is among the few states that allow the use of polygraph evidence in criminal cases, but the judge has the final say on whether this evidence can be used. There are strict requirements for admission.