Timothy Busfield’s wife, “Little House on the Prairie” actress Melissa Gilbert, reportedly pleaded for a judge to keep her husband safe while in jail on charges involving child sex abuse.
On January 16, Gilbert submitted a letter of support for Busfield, amid his ongoing legal battle concerning child sex abuse charges. The letter was included as part of a defense filing opposing a state motion for Busfield’s pretrial detention, according to People magazine.
Gilbert’s testimony is in addition to one of 75 letters submitted by a broad network of family members, colleagues, and long-term friends, all advocating for the actor’s character.
She opened her letter by reflecting on their history, noting that while they first crossed paths in the 1980s, their romantic relationship didn’t begin until 2012. Since then, she described him as the foundational element of her world.
“The reality is that Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” Gilbert wrote. “He is my comfort and my council [sic]. His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life. Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Gilbert emphasized the depth of their connection, asserting that she possessed a unique understanding of his character. She described him as a man driven by the “strongest moral compass” and a deep-seated commitment to kindness and service.
Beyond their home life, Gilbert highlighted Busfield’s reputation in the entertainment industry and education. She shared that she is frequently approached by former students and crew members who regard him as their “favorite” mentor or director.
The actress also spoke specifically about Busfield’s role as a stepfather to her youngest son, Michael.
“Tim nurtured and guided Michael,” she stated, noting that he supported her son both “physically and spiritually.” She expressed a profound sense of “gratitude to God” for his presence in their lives.
In closure, Gilbert admitted that the process of writing the letter had been difficult, describing it as “the strangest letter I’ve ever had to write.”
She concluded the letter with a plea for her husband’s safety.
“I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole,” Gilbert wrote. “So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband. As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Busfield turned himself on Tuesday, after he was charged with inappropriately touching two boys he had been directing for his series “The Cleaning Lady.”
New allegations also appeared in a document filed by Bernalillo County prosecutors this week, which involved a 16-year-old girl who was auditioning for Busfield’s B Street Theatre in Sacramento.
The filing stated that the girl’s father said that Busfield abused the girl “several years ago,” claiming that he “kissed her, put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.”
“The defendant begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,” according to the filing.
Court filings in Busfield’s child sexual abuse case in New Mexico revealed allegations of a similar nature against him at a theater he and his brother founded in California in 1986.
The New Mexico court filings also indicated two other sexual assault allegations, KOAT reported. One, against a 17-year-old extra on the 1994 film “Little Big League,” led to a private settlement.
Busfield also had to pay attorney costs when he countersued for defamation and lost.
Another allegation of sexual battery at a Los Angeles movie theater, against a 28-year-old woman, didn’t lead to prosecuted due to insufficient evidence, the New Mexico documents stated.
Busfield is scheduled for a January 20 pre-trial detention motion hearing in District Court. The hearing should determine whether Busfield stays in jail or be released on bail, according to Deadline.
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[Feature Photo: FILE – In this Dec. 11, 2010 file photo, actor Bruce Boxleitner, right, and actress Melissa Gilbert arrive at the premiere of the feature film “Tron: Legacy” in Los Angeles. Court records show Gilbert, the former “Little House on the Prairie” star, filed for divorce on Monday in Los Angeles and seeks to end her marriage to the TV actor after 16 years. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, file)]