Timothy Busfield’s Mugshot Released After Police Surrender, Child Abuse Claims

Timothy Busfield’s mugshot was released just hours after Us Weekly confirmed the director had surrendered to the police on Tuesday, January 13, amid claims of child sex abuse.

Busfield, 68, was booked on Tuesday after two warrants were issued in New Mexico for “criminal sexual contract/minor 3rd degree” for a child under 13, per documents obtained by Us. There was also a third warrant issued for “child abuse” listed as “intentional” and “1st offense.”

Busfield, who wore a green shirt and had a white beard in his mugshot, is under an “active” hold, per the booking paperwork. His bail has not been set.

Us confirmed on Friday, January 9, that an arrest warrant was issued by the Albuquerque Police Department in New Mexico after two twin brothers accused Busfield of unlawful sexual conduct on the set of The Cleaning Lady, which ran from 2022 to 2025, while Busfield was a director.

Busfield denied there was anything “weird” about his interactions with the children on set while speaking with police amid the investigation, according to the criminal complaint.

One of the children involved in the case claimed in the complaint that he was 7 years old when the first alleged incident of inappropriate touching occurred. He went on to say in the affidavit that he was “very afraid of Tim and was relieved when he was off set.”

The child’s mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, claiming the incidents transpired between late 2022 and the second half of 2024, per the complaint. Both boys were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following the alleged incidents, according to the filing.

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When asked by investigators if he ever tickled or picked up the alleged victims, Busfield allegedly responded that it was “highly likely that he would have,” sharing that he created a “playful environment” on set.

Busfield claimed in the report that he didn’t “remember those boys,” and alleged, “I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”

As Busfield maintained his innocence, news broke on Tuesday that he surrendered himself to law enforcement, breaking his silence on the controversy.

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“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys,” Busfield said in a video obtained by TMZ, continuing to deny the allegations. “I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

The actor’s attorney Larry Steinhe also addressed Busfield’s surrender in a statement to NBC News on Tuesday.

“As my client said during the video when he was turning himself in, he wants to turn himself in, because he wants to clear his name and reputation,” Steinhe said. “He didn’t do anything wrong. These accusations are false as the investigator from the independent law firm found.”

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Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, has also backed her spouse amid the scandal with her rep telling Us, “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.”

The Little House on the Prairie alum’s rep added: “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.