Timothy Busfield is facing a new sexual abuse claim one day after his arrest.
A man named Colin Swift reportedly told law enforcement that his daughter was allegedly abused by Busfield, 68, “several years ago.”
According to a pretrial motion obtained by People on Wednesday, January 14, the alleged incident took place at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, when the 16-year-old claimed that Busfield “kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.”
Busfield allegedly “begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,” according to People. Swift, who is a therapist, “thought at the time that was the best thing to do.”
Luxury Handbag Shopping has reached out to Busfield’s lawyer for comment.
Busfield surrendered to the police in New Mexico on Tuesday, January 13, after he was accused of inappropriately touching two underage boys while directing Fox’s show The Cleaning Lady.
“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys,” Busfield told TMZ on Tuesday. “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.”
Us confirmed on Friday, January 9, that a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest in New Mexico. The documents revealed that a local police officer had spoken with Busfield over the phone regarding the allegations against him.
Busfield claimed that it was “highly unlikely” that he had physical contact with the accusers at the time of the alleged incidents.
“I did ask Timothy what the protocol was for touching children and picking them up and touching them? I also asked if that was allowed?” the officer wrote in the warrant. “Timothy initially said, ‘It’s not allowed at all. There is no, there’s no protocol. I mean, I’m always around people, right?”
Busfield claimed that he didn’t “remember” ever tickling or picking up the two accusers. “If it happened, I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me,” he added.
Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, deleted her social media as the accusations made headlines. She has since spoken out in support of her husband following his arrest.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” the actress’ rep told Us in a statement on Tuesday. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, released a separate statement to Us on Tuesday on behalf of his client.
“This morning, Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations,” Stein shared. “He is innocent and is determined to clear his name.”
Stein claimed that the boys’ mother “vowed to ‘get her revenge against Timothy Busfield’” after they were terminated from The Cleaning Lady, which aired from 2022 to 2025.
“What followed appears to be a calculated effort to construct a case, driven by animus not fact, despite prior investigations finding no evidence of wrongdoing,” Stein continued. “The claims being made against Tim are completely false, and we will fight this to the end until the truth prevails.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
