Former Child Star Makes ‘Emotional Plea’ After Husband’s Arrest

A Hollywood marriage is under intense scrutiny after a beloved TV actor was arrested on serious charges involving children.

Actor Timothy Busfield, best known for his roles on Thirtysomething and The West Wing, was arrested on Jan. 13 and charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The 68-year-old turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico and is currently being held without bond.

Now, his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has stepped forward with an emotional plea to the court.

According to court records, Gilbert submitted a deeply personal letter to a judge in Albuquerque’s Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, describing her husband’s arrest as devastating and “truly breaking my heart.” In the letter, the former Little House on the Prairie star begged the judge to show compassion, writing that she only wants her husband “safe and whole,” and adding that while he has always protected her, she feels powerless to protect him now.

Gilbert’s letter was one of roughly 70 submitted in support of Busfield, including statements from his stepson and former co-stars. Several letters reportedly praised the actor’s character and longtime reputation in the industry.

But the allegations outlined in a criminal complaint paint a far darker picture.

According to documents obtained by investigators, Busfield is accused of engaging in inappropriate conduct with two child actors — brothers — while working on the TV series The Cleaning Lady. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred over a two-year period, beginning when one of the children was just 7 years old.

The complaint alleges that Busfield encouraged the boys to call him “Uncle Tim” and that one child reported being touched on multiple occasions. Authorities say the children’s mother eventually reported the allegations to Child Protective Services, and that at least one of the boys was initially afraid to come forward due to fear of retaliation. Court documents state that one of the alleged victims has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.

Despite the severity of the accusations, Gilbert has publicly stood by her husband. Representatives for the actress told People that she continues to support Busfield as the case moves forward.

The couple has been married since 2013. Though they do not share biological children, Gilbert wrote in her letter that Busfield played a major role in raising her son from a previous marriage, calling his influence profound and life-changing.

Busfield has denied all allegations, according to the complaint. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday, when a judge will decide whether he will remain in custody as he awaits trial.