Busfield Defense Says Accusers' Parents Have 'History of Fraud,' Cites Independent Investigation and Polygraph as Detention Hearing Nears
Timothy Busfield's lawyers argue an independent investigation, polygraph results and the accusers' parents' alleged fraud undermine child sex abuse allegations as pretrial detention hearing looms.
Overview
Timothy Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico after allegations involving 11-year-old twin actors on a TV set.
Defense attorneys say a Warner Bros. investigation found allegations unfounded, Busfield passed a polygraph, and argue the accusers' parents have financial and retaliatory motives.
The filing details alleged past misconduct by the parents: father Ronald Rodis' federal wire fraud conviction and disbarment, and multiple civil judgments against mother Angele LaSalle.
Melissa Gilbert, Busfield's wife, wrote a supportive letter and is listed as a potential defense witness; the defense submitted more than 75 character letters vouching for him.
Busfield was ordered held without bond; a pretrial detention hearing on Jan. 20 will determine whether he remains jailed as prosecutors and defense contest the evidence.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Busfield coverage by foregrounding defense assertions that the accusers’ parents have criminal or fraudulent pasts, prioritizing filing excerpts and a studio investigation while offering minimal prosecution or accuser perspective. The repeated emphasis on alleged motives, charged language, and headline choice collectively cast doubt on the parents’ credibility.
Sources (6)
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FAQ
Defense claims a Warner Bros. investigation found allegations unfounded, Busfield passed an independent polygraph test, and the accusers' parents have a history of fraud including the father's federal wire fraud conviction and disbarment.
The accusers are 11-year-old twin brothers who allege Busfield inappropriately touched them on private areas over clothing on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' when they were 7 and 8 years old.
Prosecutors cited a new allegation from a 16-year-old girl's father that Busfield kissed and touched her inappropriately years ago during an audition at B Street Theatre, and described a pattern of misconduct over decades.
Busfield is held without bond in Bernalillo County Detention Center; a pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for January 20 to decide if he remains jailed.
Melissa Gilbert, his wife, wrote a supportive letter and is a potential witness; the defense submitted over 75 character letters vouching for him.
History
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