Melissa Gilbert Present on Speakerphone During Timothy Busfield’s Police Interview Before Warrant Issued
Melissa Gilbert was present on speakerphone during a police interview involving her husband, Timothy Busfield, according to an arrest warrant issued in New Mexico amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.
The warrant, issued on January 9 by the Albuquerque Police Department, alleges that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two child actors — 11-year-old twin boys — with one alleging that the conduct began when he was 7 years old. Busfield has not publicly commented on the allegations, and no conviction has been reported at this stage.
Details From the Arrest Warrant
According to the arrest warrant, obtained by People, Officer Marvin Brown conducted a phone interview with Busfield on November 3, 2025. During that call, Busfield reportedly told investigators he was in New York and that his wife, Gilbert, 61, was listening via speakerphone.
During the interview, Busfield allegedly stated that the boys’ parents were upset after their children were replaced with a younger actor. He further claimed that he later received a call from Warner Bros. informing him that a complaint was under investigation.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation into the allegations against Busfield began on November 1, 2024, after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities regarding a suspected case of sexual abuse.
According to the warrant, the victims’ parents told police that their sons were child actors who met Busfield on the set of the FOX television series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield worked as a director.
The parents said that professionals later suggested the boys may have been groomed. At that time, however, investigators reportedly determined the case did not meet the criteria for further action.
Mother Files Formal Report
In October 2025, the children’s mother filed a police report and notified Child Protective Services. She stated that both children disclosed alleged sexual abuse by Busfield occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024.
According to the warrant, she was initially told that because no physical abuse had been reported, authorities could not proceed. The case was later re-evaluated, ultimately leading to the arrest warrant.
Relationship With the Family
Investigators noted that Busfield and Gilbert had a personal relationship with the children and their family outside of professional settings.
According to Officer Brown’s findings, Busfield and Gilbert stated that they attended social gatherings with the family and purchased Christmas gifts for the children. The warrant describes these actions as contributing to a sense of closeness between the adults and the minors’ family.
No allegations have been made against Gilbert herself, and she has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Prior Allegations and Background
The warrant also references earlier sexual assault allegations involving Busfield dating back to 1994, which did not result in criminal charges.
Busfield is known for his roles in television series including Thirtysomething and The West Wing. He and Gilbert married in 2013.
Warner Bros. Responds
In a previous statement to People, a Warner Bros. Television spokesperson said:
“The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action.”
The company added that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Ongoing Legal Process
The arrest warrant outlines a timeline spanning more than two years, reflecting the complexity and challenges often involved in investigating allegations of abuse involving minors.
While the presence of Gilbert on the speakerphone during the interview has drawn public attention, authorities have emphasized that no allegations have been made against her. The investigation remains focused on the claims outlined in the warrant.
As the legal process continues, the case has renewed scrutiny on safeguards for child actors and the boundaries between professional and personal relationships in the entertainment industry.
