# Timothy Busfield's sexual abuse charges dismissed

> New Mexico judge dismisses Busfield's sexual abuse charges but allows new prosecution.
- Title: Timothy Busfield's sexual abuse charges dismissed · Salon
- Summary: New Mexico judge dismisses Busfield's sexual abuse charges but allows new prosecution. New Mexico judge dismissed Timothy Busfield's sexual abuse charges of…
- Keywords: timothy busfield, melissa gilbert, new mexico, child sexual abuse, criminal charges, prosecutorial misconduct, news, politics, Timothy, Busfield's, sexual, abuse
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/10/17/actor-director-timothy-busfields-charges-of-sexual-abuse-of-a-minor-dismissed-sort-of
- Author: CK Smith
- Published: 2026-10-17T18:55:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: timothy busfield, melissa gilbert, new mexico, child sexual abuse, criminal charges, prosecutorial misconduct, news, politics
## New Mexico judge dismisses charges
New Mexico judge dismissed child sexual abuse charges against Timothy Busfield but allowed new prosecution after finding prosecutorial misconduct.
## Busfield's allegations from 2022-2024
Busfield was indicted in February on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor from his work directing 'The Cleaning Lady' between 2022 and 2024.
## Melissa Gilbert's support
Melissa Gilbert, Busfield's wife and 'Little House on the Prairie' star, described the allegations as devastating to their family and believes he will be exonerated.

> Our life as we knew it is done
## Prosecution options remain
Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office said it was evaluating options to seek new charges after judge dismissed the indictment but left door open for another prosecution.
## Key takeaway

New Mexico judge dismissed Timothy Busfield's sexual abuse charges of a minor but left possibility for new indictment after finding prosecutorial misconduct.