Melissa Gilbert Shares Concerns for Husband Timothy Busfield While He’s in Jail

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield.
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Key Highlights

• Melissa Gilbert expressed deep concern while her husband, Timothy Busfield, was in jail.
• Busfield was detained for a week following his arrest related to child sex abuse allegations.
• He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, charges filed on January 13.

Melissa Gilbert has expressed her relief at the release of her husband Timothy Busfield from jail following serious allegations against him. After spending a week in a detention facility in New Mexico, Busfield was released on January 20, pending trial for charges of child sexual abuse.

Sources indicate that the couple, aged 68 and 61 respectively, are feeling a sense of relief. “The court hearing was obviously very emotional and stressful,” one insider noted. “Things are clearly far from over, but the main focus of getting Tim out of jail was accomplished. They’re both very grateful. Melissa has been sick with worry that something would happen to him in jail.”

The couple reportedly remains deeply involved in their defense preparations with their lawyer. Friends have been a strong support system during this trying period. “Melissa is very grateful for the support. She’ll be attending all the court hearings with Tim. She believes he’s innocent,” the source added.

Melissa Gilbert; Timothy Busfield.

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When the announcement of his release was made, Gilbert was visibly emotional, whispering, “Thank you, God” from the courtroom. She has consistently supported Busfield, whom she married in April 2013.

On January 13, Busfield surrendered to authorities and was officially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, specifically involving a child under the age of 13, and one count of child abuse. The allegations stem from claims that he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with twin boys, 11, whom he met while serving as a director on FOX’s The Cleaning Lady.

Gilbert’s representative emphasized her commitment to Busfield, stating, “Melissa stands with and supports her husband.”

Facing the serious charges, Busfield declared his innocence, stating in a video, “They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. 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."

Ahead of his pretrial detention hearing, Gilbert was one of 75 individuals who wrote letters of support to the judge, illustrating the breadth of their community support during this difficult time.

As their legal journey continues, Busfield’s civil lawyer Larry Stein mentioned that the couple remains overwhelmed but is optimistic. “We’re taking one day at a time,” he concluded.

Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert.

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In the aftermath of these events, Gilbert expressed deep personal concern for Busfield’s safety while he was incarcerated, highlighting safety complaints regarding the facility. She urged the court to keep him safe, expressing profound worries over his well-being during his time in jail.