In a dramatic turn of events, heavily armed US Marshals stormed the upstate New York home of actor Timothy Busfield and his wife, Melissa Gilbert, just an hour after Busfield voluntarily turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The raid unfolded just two days after a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest, accusing him of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse linked to his role on the TV show The Cleaning Lady.
Raid on Their Secluded Catskills Retreat
The heavily coordinated operation took place at the couple’s property in Highland Lake, a quiet part of the Catskill Mountains in New York.
The home, valued at around $300,000, was a known retreat for the pair, located just a short drive from the Pennsylvania border.
Officers from the New York Regional Fugitive Task Force, armed with assault rifles, riot gear, and battering rams, forced their way into the property after receiving no response from inside.
The scene, witnessed exclusively by the Daily Mail, was tense and swift.
Officers searched the home for roughly ten minutes, clearing both the house and its rear property, which includes an RV and an outhouse.
Despite the intensity of the operation, no personal belongings were taken, and it remains unclear why the raid took place so soon after Busfield had already turned himself in to New Mexico authorities.
A Swift Turnaround as Busfield Surrenders
The raid on the couple’s home occurred shortly after Timothy Busfield made the decision to turn himself in to authorities in Albuquerque.
In an emotional video shared with TMZ, the 68-year-old actor addressed the allegations and denied the charges.
“I will confront these lies,” he stated, visibly upset, adding that he was “ordered to come to Albuquerque” after receiving a call on Friday night.
Busfield, who is best known for his role on The West Wing, explained the effort it took to travel 2,000 miles to the police station in New Mexico, where he declared his innocence.
“I did not do anything to those little boys,” he said firmly.
Busfield insists that the charges are part of a revenge plot from the parents of the alleged victims, who claim that he mistreated their children on the set of The Cleaning Lady.
Melissa Gilbert Supports Her Husband
Amidst the shock of the allegations, Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has come out in support of her husband.
Gilbert, who gained fame as a child star on Little House on the Prairie, made it clear through a representative that she is standing by Busfield during this difficult time.
“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time,” her representative told People magazine.
“She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.”
The statement also emphasized Gilbert’s focus on caring for their large family while navigating this situation, while asking for privacy and respect.
The Allegations and Investigation Details
The arrest warrant for Busfield stems from an investigation that began in November 2024, triggered by a report from the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Staff raised concerns about potential child grooming on the set of The Cleaning Lady.
The allegations center on two young boys, aged seven at the time of the alleged incidents, who Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching during the production of the show.
While the boys did not initially report sexual abuse, in October 2025, one of the parents reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, stating that their child had disclosed sexual abuse by Busfield.
According to the affidavit, the child claimed that Busfield touched his genitalia and bottom during a visit to a bedroom on the set.
Busfield denied these allegations, describing his contact with the children as “playful” and insisting there was no wrongdoing on his part.
In a police interview, Busfield reportedly claimed that the accusations were fabricated as part of a revenge scheme by the boys’ parents, who were upset after not being invited back to the show.
Busfield’s civil lawyer, Larry Stein, has backed this claim, suggesting that the mother of the children allegedly told an actress on set that she wanted to “get revenge” on Busfield.
The Role of the Busfields in the Boys’ Lives
The investigation also revealed that Busfield and Gilbert were allegedly close with the families of the two boys.
The criminal complaint mentions that the actor and his wife bought Christmas gifts for the children and invited their families to off-set social gatherings.
These details have been cited in the warrant as evidence of a relationship that may have made the alleged abuse more difficult to detect at the time.
Despite the claims made against him, Busfield remains adamant that he is innocent.
“I’m gonna fight it with a great team,” he said, “and I know I’m going to be exonerated.”
Melissa Gilbert’s Position Amidst the Scandal
As the investigation continues to unfold, Gilbert has chosen to remain silent in public, aside from the statements issued by her representatives.
However, her business, Modern Prairie, released a statement acknowledging the allegations against her husband.
“We unequivocally condemn abuse in any form,” the company said, while also requesting that their privacy be respected during this challenging period.
Gilbert, who has had a long career in Hollywood and public service, including serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild, has kept a low profile throughout this ordeal.
While her focus has been on supporting her husband and family, the public waits to see how the case progresses through the legal system.
The Legal Path Forward for Busfield
Busfield’s legal journey is just beginning.
Currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, he is set to make his first court appearance later this week.
The charges against him are serious, and the evidence gathered so far suggests a long and complicated legal battle ahead.
The outcome of this case could have significant consequences for Busfield’s career and personal life.
His defenders claim the allegations are fabricated, but the emotional toll on both Busfield and Gilbert is already evident.
As the legal process unfolds, it’s clear that this case will remain under intense scrutiny, with both public opinion and the facts of the case determining its ultimate resolution.
A Family Under Siege
For now, Busfield and Gilbert remain in the public eye, navigating a deeply personal crisis.
Despite the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, the couple’s supporters continue to stand by them, while others wait for the truth to emerge.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the media, the legal system, and the public will respond to these serious and complex allegations.
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