"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield's attorneys told a court Friday he should be released while he awaits the outcome of child sex abuse charges against him because an independent investigation undermined the state's allegations, the parents of his accusers have a history of fraud and dishonesty, and he passed a polygraph test. Busfield was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance Wednesday, a day after he turned himself in to face charges stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico."
"Albuquerque police issued a warrant for his arrest last week on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A criminal complaint alleges the acts occurred on the set of the series "The Cleaning Lady," which was filmed in the city. In a video shared before turning himself in, Busfield called the allegations lies. Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, is known for appearances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething." According to the criminal complaint, an investigator with the police department says the child reported Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing on one occasion when he was 7 years old and another time when he was 8. SEE ALSO | 'West Wing' actor Timothy Busfield faces new assault claim from 16-year-old victim: Court documents The boy's twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but did not specify where. He said he didn't say anything because he didn't want to get in trouble. Busfield's attorneys said in court filings that the allegations against him emerged only after the boys lost their role in the TV show, creating a financial and retaliatory motive. The filings detailed what the attorneys said was a history of fraud"
Timothy Busfield is being held without bond while facing criminal charges alleging he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a television series filmed in Albuquerque. Police obtained a warrant charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The alleged victims are twin boys who reported incidents when they were 7 and 8 years old. Busfield's attorneys say an independent investigation undermines the allegations, the boys' parents have histories of fraud and dishonesty, the allegations arose after the boys lost roles, and Busfield passed a polygraph. A detention hearing is scheduled to determine whether he remains jailed.
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