Melissa Gilbert's Husband 'Begged' A Dad For Therapy Instead Of Police After Allegedly Sexually Abusing Teen

Melissa Gilbert's husband, Timothy Busfield, who recently turned himself in to Albuquerque police following allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors, has been hit with new claims.

He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, with prosecutors seeking pretrial detention. Court documents have now revealed an additional allegation from a separate individual.

According to the documents, Timothy Busfield "begged" the father of the individual not to report him to the police if he went for therapy.

A new allegation has surfaced against actor and director Timothy Busfield, expanding the legal case he is currently facing.

The 68-year-old turned himself in to Albuquerque police on January 13 after an arrest warrant was issued, accusing him of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Court documents filed January 14 reveal an additional accusation from a separate individual. According to the filing, a man identified as Colin Swift reported that Busfield behaved inappropriately toward his teenage daughter several years ago during an audition at a Sacramento-based theater Busfield founded in the 1980s.

The filing states that the 16-year-old "reported that [Busfield] kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates."

Swift told authorities the family did not report the incident at the time after Busfield allegedly asked for the matter to be handled.

According to People Magazine, Busfield "begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy," and Swift, who himself is a therapist, "thought at the time that was the best thing to do."

Busfield is also accused of misconduct involving 11-year-old twin boys he met while directing the FOX series "The Cleaning Lady" during its second season, which aired in 2022.

Investigations began in late 2024 after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported suspected abuse.

Court documents state the incidents allegedly started when one of the boys was seven. Reports indicate the children later experienced emotional distress, including anxiety and sleep disruptions, leading to diagnoses of moderate PTSD.

Before surrendering to the police, Busfield released a video to TMZ denying all allegations.

"I did not do anything to those little boys," the actor said. "I'm gonna fight it."

He continued, "I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies."

Busfield then concluded his brief statement by saying, "So hang in there, and hopefully I'm out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you."

Authorities argue that the allegations suggest a sustained pattern of predatory behavior, claiming Busfield poses a "serious and ongoing danger not only to the named victims, but to any child placed within his proximity."

Prosecutors have requested pretrial detention, stating that conditional release would not mitigate the risk.

During the investigation, Busfield reportedly told authorities that the boys' mother was seeking "revenge" for her children not being cast in the show's final season.

When questioned about physical contact with the two child actors, Busfield reportedly told investigators that it was "highly likely" he had touched them "playfully."

Although he confirmed the identities of the children during the interview, Busfield later allegedly stated, "I don't remember those boys," and that while he "didn't remember overtly tickling the boys," such behavior "wouldn't be uncommon for me."

Investigators noted that Busfield and his wife, Melissa Gilbert, acknowledged a personal relationship with the children outside of work, including attending social events together and giving them Christmas gifts.

The complaint also outlines Warner Bros.' investigation into the allegations. Following an anonymous tip to the SAG-AFTRA hotline in February 2025 about a December 2024 incident, the studio began reviewing the claims.

The complaint stated that Busfield allegedly entered the hair and makeup trailer and "kissed a minor male on the face as the minor was getting a haircut," and that photos exist showing him "tickling and caressing the head and body of minor boys."

A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Television told People, "The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action. [We] have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement."