Judge Dismisses Child Sex Abuse Charges Against Timothy Busfield Citing Misconduct
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Melissa Gilbert cryptically shared a quote from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” as she seemingly celebrated the dismissal of her husband Timothy Busfield’s child sexual abuse indictment.
“So shines a good deed in a weary world,” Gilbert, 62, posted on Instagram Friday after a New Mexico judge tossed the charges against the actor, 69, who was accused of inappropriately touching twin boys on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.”
The line, which Gene Wilder delivered in the 1971 film, was said when Charlie Bucket returns the Everlasting Gobstopper rather than betray Willy Wonka.
It was adapted from William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” in which Portia says, “So shines a good deed in a naughty world,” after noticing a candle burning in her home and reflecting on how a good deed can stand out in a troubled world.
State District Judge Joseph Montano cited prosecutorial misconduct and errors that undermined the grand jury proceedings when dismissing the indictment against the “Thirtysomething” actor.
Busfield’s attorney, Amanda Fayerberg, said Friday that her client was “relieved and grateful” after reading the judge’s decision.
Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek another indictment.
The case stems from Busfield’s work directing the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque between 2022 and 2024.
The parents of twin boys who appeared on the show alleged that the actor inappropriately touched their children after they were let go from the production.
One boy told investigators Busfield touched his private areas over his clothing on two occasions when he was 7 and 8 years old, according to a criminal complaint filed in January.
His twin brother also reported being touched, though he did not specify where, the complaint said.
Busfield turned himself in and was released pending trial.
The “West Wing” actor has repeatedly denied the allegations.
In June, his attorneys moved to dismiss the indictment, accusing prosecutors of mishandling the grand jury process and arguing that the boys’ parents had coached them to make incriminating statements after they lost their roles.
At a September hearing, Fayerberg accused prosecutors of blocking grand jurors from hearing key witnesses, despite their availability to testify.
“The state engaged in egregious prosecutorial misconduct,” she said.
District Attorney Greer Staley pushed back, arguing the defense mishandled evidence submissions and that Busfield spent three hours trying to steer jurors toward witnesses and evidence that favored him.
The “Field of Dreams” actor told jurors the case had upended his life and affected his family. He also testified that he had been “canceled” and fired by his agency.
“I’m saying that is absolutely one gazillion percent untrue. Never ever,” Busfield said, addressing allegations.
Each count in the indictment carried a potential six-year prison sentence, which could have been extended.
The legal battle also coincided with a major move for Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013.
In June, the “Little House on the Prairie” star shared photos of moving boxes as she prepared to leave the Manhattan apartment she and Busfield had called home for eight years and move upstate full-time.
“So long perfect little one bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side. The last eight years here have been so special,” she wrote.
“I promise we will be back it’s just that right now…..well….you know,” she added.
With wires
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