Melissa Gilbert, best known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, is confronting an extremely difficult period as her husband of 12 years, Timothy Busfield, faces serious criminal allegations.
The actress, 61, describes the situation as a “nightmare” as she grapples with concern for her husband while he remains in custody.
Busfield, 68, was arrested on January 13 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
He is currently held at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, a facility reportedly known for safety issues, which has added to Gilbert’s worry.
A Wife’s Plea for Safety
A source close to Gilbert told People that she is “very concerned about Tim in jail” and is focused on getting him released so he can be safe.
Gilbert plans to be in New Mexico this week as Busfield’s legal case unfolds, hoping for his protection amid the ongoing investigation.
“The past week has been a nightmare for Melissa,” the source added.
A pretrial detention hearing is set for Tuesday, where a judge will decide whether Busfield will remain in custody and under what conditions he might be released pending trial.
The formal arraignment and official announcement of charges will follow this process.
Gilbert’s Heartfelt Letter to the Court
In an emotional letter submitted to the court last Friday, Gilbert praised her husband’s character, highlighting his humor, kindness, and moral integrity.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” she wrote.
“He is my comfort and my counsel. His joy, humor, and quick wit bring sparkle to my life.
Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Gilbert went on to express the depth of their connection and her fear for his safety while he remains in custody:
“I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now, and that is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me.”
Legal Consequences and Court Proceedings
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman stated that Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
During a hearing on Wednesday, a judge ordered Busfield held without bond after he surrendered to authorities.
Prior to his surrender, he had issued a video proclaiming his innocence.
Busfield’s legal team has argued for his release, citing an independent investigation that raises doubts about the allegations.
They also noted that the parents of the children involved in the case have a “checkered past,” while Busfield reportedly passed polygraph tests related to the accusations.
Impact on Career and Film Projects
The actor’s arrest has also affected his professional work.
Reports indicate that Busfield will be digitally removed from the upcoming Amazon MGM romantic comedy You Deserve Each Other, which had already completed filming.
Busfield played Bernie, the father of the film’s lead character, Naomi, played by Meghann Fahy.
Without reshoots, editors will rely on digital technology to remove him from the scenes.
The movie, based on Sarah Hogle’s 2020 book, also stars Penn Badgley, Justin Long, Natalie Morales, Hope Davis, Kyle MacLachlan, and Ana Gasteyer. A release date has not yet been announced.
Allegations Stem from Work on The Cleaning Lady
The charges against Busfield reportedly involve two child actors, ages seven and eight, who worked on the New Mexico set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as producer and directed six episodes between 2022 and 2025.
According to authorities, the parents of the children, Angele LaSalle and Ronald Rodis, reported the allegations, which Busfield denies.
In legal filings, he claimed that the parents were motivated by resentment after their children were not cast in the show’s final season, a claim supported by comments from actress Elodie Yung.
The Road Ahead
As the case develops, the focus will be on the upcoming hearings and potential conditions for Busfield’s release while awaiting trial.
Gilbert remains by his side, balancing her concern for his safety with the complexities of the legal process.
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