Home / Arts and Entertainment / Judge Tosses Child Abuse Charges Against Timothy Busfield
Judge Tosses Child Abuse Charges Against Timothy Busfield
17 Oct
Summary
- Child sex abuse charges against Timothy Busfield were dismissed by a judge.
- The judge cited the lead prosecutor's failure to act impartially.
- Melissa Gilbert has consistently supported her husband throughout the case.
Child sex abuse charges brought against actor Timothy Busfield have been dismissed by a New Mexico judge. Judge Joseph Montano of the Second Judicial District Court of New Mexico ruled on Friday that the lead prosecutor failed to act in a fair and impartial manner and did not properly instruct the grand jury.
Authorities had alleged that twin 11-year-old boys accused Busfield of inappropriate touching while they worked on the Fox series 'The Cleaning Lady.' Busfield, who denied all allegations, was indicted on four counts of sexual contact with a minor in February. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has steadfastly supported him, describing the ordeal as one of the most traumatizing experiences of their lives.
Despite the dismissal, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office is evaluating its options and could present the case to a new grand jury. The judge's decision focused on procedural issues within the prosecution's handling of the grand jury proceedings.
