Timothy Busfield was compared to disgraced gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar during the director’s hearing amid his child sex abuse case.
During Busfield’s hearing in New Mexico on Tuesday, January 20, prosecution brought up Nassar, 62, during their argument.
“The boys never said that the abuse never happened when they were alone with the defendant … They never said that this happened when they were alone with him, so these arguments coming from the defense and the exhibits provided do not add up with the testimony and the kids’ disclosures that they have given,” an attorney said. “The boys also disclosed how it made them feel and how uncomfortable they were.”
The lawyer argued that while many claimed that Busfield could not have abused the child actors because they were never alone with him, there was still a possibility of abuse.
“The kids didn’t say it happened when they were alone. And we see every day that sexual abuse with children can happen in front of several people,” the attorney said in court. “We know that from well known cases. We know that from the Larry Nassar case where he was physically and sexually abusing his patients in front of their parents. We know that these events and these crimes can happen in front of other people and [they do] not recognize or see what is going on.”
Nassar previously served as a team doctor for the United States women’s national gymnastics team from 1996 to 2014. In 2016, Nassar was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting more than 200 young women and girls under the guise of medical treatment.
Larry Nassar. JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images
The former medical professional pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and tampering with evidence in 2017. He was subsequently sentenced to 60 years in federal prison.
The following year, Nassar was sentenced to an additional 40 to 175 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections, after pleading guilty in to seven counts of sexual assault. Nassar was sentenced to an additional 40 to 125 years in Michigan State Prison after pleading guilty to an additional three counts of sexual assault. Nassar remains in prison for life without the possibility of parole.
Earlier this month, Busfield was accused of sex abuse by two child actors who worked on his show The Cleaning Lady. The alleged incidents occurred between 2022 and 2024. A warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest and he surrendered to police on January 13. Busfield has vehemently denied the allegations.
“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. … I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight it with a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies,” he claimed in a video shared with TMZ earlier this month.
The judge ruled on Tuesday that Busfield is to be released from prison. Busfield’s release is contingent on him appearing at all his future hearings and maintaining contact with his attorney. Busfield may not possess a firearm and he cannot have any contact with the alleged victims.
The judge did not revoke Busfield’s ability to travel. Busfield’s next court hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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