Melissa Gilbert Becomes Emotional in Court as Husband Timothy Busfield is Released from Custody Amid Child Sex Abuse Charges

Actress Melissa Gilbert became emotional in the court room when her husband Timothy Busfield was released from custody.

The 68-year-old actor is facing child sex abuse charges and was held in a two-hour pretrial detention hearing in a San Bernalillo, N.M. district court on Tuesday (January 20), per People.

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“Given the lack of a pattern involving children in this case, I think that can be remedied through different conditions of release. I don’t find that there’s been sufficient presentation that this defendant may commit new crimes if released pending trial. There’s no evidence of a pattern of criminal conduct. There are no similar allegations involving children in his past. There’s no evidence of non-compliance with prior court orders,” said the judge.

“Rather, this defendant self-surrendered and submitted himself to this court’s jurisdiction, demonstrating compliance with the court order for his arrest,” the judge addded. “I cannot find that the state has proven by clear and convincing evidence that there are no release conditions that would reasonably protect the safety of any younger person in the community.”

Timothy was released on his own recognizance under strict conditions, including mandatory court appearances, supervision by New Mexico Pretrial Services, and prohibitions on weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, contact with the alleged victims or witnesses, and unsupervised contact with minor children.

The court permitted limited travel and required the actor to keep his address current.

He was accompanied at the hearing by his wife, several family members, and legal representatives. Melissa was seen visibly crying and saying, “Thank you, God,” upon hearing the judge’s decision.

She has been vocal in her support of her husband and previously asked the judge to “protect” Timothy in jail.