Timothy Busfield, the veteran actor facing child molestation allegations, spent his first night out of jail in a lavish six-bedroom estate in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
After a week behind bars, he swapped the stark confines of the Metropolitan Detention Center for sprawling gardens, high-end furnishings, and every comfort money can buy.
From Restrictive Housing to Italian-Style Retreat
Busfield had been held in the jail’s Restrictive Housing Unit, reserved for inmates needing extra protection, after surrendering to authorities on January 13.
While the New Mexico facility is known for 5 a.m. wake-up calls and sparse cells, Busfield’s new accommodations couldn’t be more different.
The property, called Villa de Rafael, features seven opulent bathrooms, a hot tub, a private casita, and a grand stained-glass dome.
Guests enjoy plush beds with fine linens, a gas barbecue, a library, and even a games room, all designed to evoke Italian elegance.
Rates start at $2,483 for a minimum three-night stay.
Melissa Gilbert Shows Support
Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, was spotted early Wednesday morning tending to chores in her pajamas.
The Little House on the Prairie star has been unwavering in her support for her husband, attending court with a team of lawyers and visibly emotional after Judge David Murphy granted his release.
A Heartfelt Plea to the Court
Gilbert sent a moving letter to the judge ahead of the hearing, describing Busfield as her “love, rock, and partner in business and life.”
She praised his humor, kindness, and moral compass, emphasizing that he brings joy and stability to her family.
She added, “I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole… I am relying on you to protect him for me,” illustrating the depth of her personal and emotional investment in the case.
Courtroom Drama and Public Reaction
During the hearing, prosecutors argued that Busfield posed a danger to the public, seeking to keep him jailed.
Gilbert, dressed in a paisley ensemble, thanked supporters for their messages of solidarity following the ruling.
The defense highlighted that the actor’s so-called “cancelation” due to the charges had stripped him of his professional influence, undermining the prosecution’s claims that he remained a public threat.
Personal Details Surface Amid Case
Court documents filed as part of a sex offender risk evaluation included intimate details about Busfield and Gilbert’s relationship, noting a “satisfying sexual relationship” between the couple.
While embarrassing, these disclosures were used to assess risk, not as evidence of the alleged crimes.
Allegations and Arrest Timeline
The case began making headlines on January 9 when Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield, alleging he molested twin 11-year-old boys while filming The Cleaning Lady.
After briefly disappearing, he turned himself in on January 13, driving 2,000 miles from his New York cabin.
He appeared in court the following day in an orange jumpsuit, facing formal charges for the first time.
Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations, telling TMZ that he is “devastated” by the claims.
Defense Calls Allegations a Shakedown
During the release hearing, Busfield’s lawyers argued that the case was retaliatory, claiming the boys were no longer needed on set and that the charges were part of a “shakedown.”
Gilbert has maintained publicly that she does not believe her husband committed any wrongdoing.
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