Timothy Busfield psychosexual evaluation amid child sex abuse charges

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Timothy Busfield psychosexual evaluation amid child sex abuse charges

2026-01-20 13:00:53

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Days before Timothy Busfield was arrested and held without bail Multiple counts of child sexual assaultThe 68-year-old actor underwent a psychosexual evaluation on the recommendation of his lawyer.

According to court documents filed on Jan. 17 and obtained by Fox News Digital, Busfield participated in an evaluation on Jan. 12 to determine his risk of committing sex crimes compared to those convicted of sex crimes. During the evaluation, Busfield was asked a series of uncomfortable questions, including details about his sex life with his wife, Melissa Gilbert.

“Mr. Busfield reported that he and his current wife have a satisfying sex life, and at their ages simply enjoy each other’s company and cuddling more than engaging in sexual intercourse,” the evaluation stated, according to the documents. “Mr. Busfield’s wife confirms his statements that they had a satisfactory sexual relationship.”

Timothy Busfield is being held without bail in a New Mexico child sex abuse case

Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert

Timothy Busfield underwent a psychosexual evaluation before being held without bail awaiting trial. (Lars Nikke/Getty Images for BAM)

“Mr. Busfield states that as he reflects, he believes and appreciates that an individual requires a certain level of maturity to understand and embrace the intimate nature of a sexual relationship,” the assessment continued. “In addition, he also believes that sex is a natural experience for all humans and that at a certain age you start to feel feelings in your body (puberty). Mr. Busfield also states that he realized that he never got the partner he wanted until he met his wife, Melissa.”

After a comprehensive look at Busfield’s family history, background and social and sexual behaviour, the actor was assessed as ‘extremely low risk’ based on the results of the clinical interview and indicated risk assessment procedures.

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“Mr. Busfield demonstrated an ability to be candid in his answers despite the sensitive nature of the questions. Mr. Busfield reported continued steady employment, strong family support, and participation in social activities with social peers.”

Fox News legal contributor Donna Rotunno said Busfield likely underwent evaluation in an attempt to prove he “does not pose a threat to society.”

Timothy Busfield and his wife Melissa Gilbert smile together.

Timothy Busfield said he had a “satisfying sex life” with Gilbert. (Bruce Glickas/Bruce Glickas/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

“When you go through those evaluations, you have to answer truthfully,” Rotunno said. He hopes the evaluation will help the judge decide he is not a threat to society. “Although the subject is uncomfortable, it is common for them to interview the wife under the favorable circumstances, and to see how honest and frank he is.”

Timothy Busfield’s lie detector show is a ‘PR sensational’ as he faces child sex abuse charges: expert

“When you go through those evaluations, you have to answer truthfully. He hopes the evaluation will help the judge decide he’s not a threat to society.”

– Donna Rotunno

Documents submitted to the court included more than 75 letters written by former colleagues and friends who described decades of interaction with Busfield and denied ever testifying. Inappropriate behavior.

Gilbert submitted a letter to the judge expressing her support for her husband.

“The truth is, Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my business and life partner. He is my comfort and my board. His joy, sense of humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wonderful, wonderful extended family,” she wrote.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield attend a red carpet event together

The couple married in 2013. (Valerie Hache/AFP via Getty Images)

Gilbert told the court she knew Busfield “better and more intimately than anyone else in his life,” and described him as a man guided by principles and compassion.

“Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human being I have ever known,” she wrote. “He has dedicated his spiritual self to always be of service to others. He begins each day with kindness and compassion.”

“This is the strangest letter I have ever had to write,” she wrote. “So, I’ll conclude by asking you, please, to take care of my beautiful husband,” Gilbert continued. “Since he’s my protector, I’m his protector, but I can’t protect him now and I think that’s what really breaks my heart more than anything else. I’m counting on you to protect him for me.”

On January 9, an arrest warrant was issued for Director W Emmy Award-winning actorand was acquired by Fox News Digital.

The police investigation into the allegations against Busfield began on November 1, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted officers about a case of alleged sexual assault.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by Fox News Digital, 11-year-old twins claim that the director, whom they were told to call Uncle Tim on the set of “Cleaning Lady,” touched them inappropriately. One of the twins claimed that an incident occurred while he was alone with Busfield in the bedroom, alleging that he had been touched by clothing on his genitals and buttocks. The memo also states that hospital professionals later informed the parents that the children showed signs of “setting.”

Timothy Busfield is in court on child sex charges

Timothy Busfield appeared via Zoom in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Albuquerque, New Mexico, on January 14, 2026. The actor is being held without bail on charges of child sexual assault. (Bernalillo Urban District Court)

A representative from Warner Bros. said: Television told Fox News Digital in a statement: “The health and safety of our crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors in our productions.” “We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and have systems in place to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, and take appropriate action when needed. We are aware of the matter.” Current fees against Mr. Busfield and has been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.”

One makeup artist told investigators that everyone on set knew they had to avoid Busfield “because he was scary.”

In a police audio recording filed in court Monday by Busfield’s attorney and obtained by Fox News Digital, the police officer asked the child actors: “Did you know that no one can touch your private areas?” The twin says to him: “Yes.”

The police officer then asks them if Busfield touched their private areas. The twins said: No.

Bousfield surrendered on 13 January to Local authorities Charged with child sexual assault. He was being held without bail at the time of his arrest on two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.

The director denied all the accusations against him.

In the state’s expedited motion for pretrial detention, prosecutors said Bousfield “poses a continuing and serious danger to children and the community.”

They noted that his behavior reflected “a calculated pattern of grooming, lack of boundaries, and abuse of professional authority to gain access to minors.”

Timothy Busfield

Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

“The defendant has demonstrated: a willingness to exploit positions of trust, the ability to abuse in professional environments designed to appear safe, minimizing and denying behavior, and accessing children through his profession, a pattern of inappropriate behavior spanning decades,” the documents said.

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“Witnesses in this investigation expressed fear of retaliation and career harm for reporting the defendant’s conduct, further underscoring his ability to intimidate and silence others.”

During a press conference on January 15, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman addressed the media with an update on the case.

Busfield is currently charged with two counts of criminal sexual intercourse of a minor, a child under 13, and one count of child abuse. Under New Mexico law, each count of criminal sexual contact carries up to six years in prison, and child abuse carries up to three years, Bregman said.

If convicted, Busfield could face up to 15 years in prison.

Busfield is expected to appear in court on January 20 to determine whether he will remain in custody or be released pending trial.

Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright and Larry Fink contributed to this report.

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