Melissa Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, 68, was released from Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, N.M., on Tuesday, Jan. 20, after a two-hour pretrial detention hearing.
In a statement made to People by “The West Wing” actor’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, it was revealed that Gilbert, 61, was visibly relieved when the judge granted her husband’s release.
Melissa Gilbert ‘Excited’ About Husband’s Release
GettyStein said that the Hallmark star was “very, very excited,” adding that Busfield “feels wonderful.” The attorney also mentioned the anticipated reunion between the couple of 12 years, saying, “He can reunite with Melissa!”
On the day of Busfield’s pretrial hearing, The Mirror reported that Gilbert cried tears of joy after District Court Judge David Murphy ruled in her husband’s favor.
When the decision was reached, the judge expressed concern over the actor previously abusing his position of power to the detriment of the alleged victims; however, Murphy said that provided affidavits did not prove that to be true.
“The testimony offered today do not corroborate the allegations offered by the alleged victims,” the judge stated, according to The Mirror. “As it stands today, based on the limited information I have in front of me, I characterize the weight of the evidence against the defendant as neutral at this point in time.”
Murphy continued, “I’m concerned about the allegations of this defendant using his position of power on a film set to advance his own personal motive, but the affidavits offered by other people working on the film set do not show the Mr. Busfield has used or abused that position of power.”
Melissa Gilbert Continues to Support Her Husband
GettyAfter Busfield surrendered himself on Jan. 13, Gilbert and over 70 others, including Gilbert’s mom, wrote powerful letters to the judge, asking him to “protect” Busfield, People reports.
“So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband,” Gilbert wrote. “As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart, I am relying on you to protect him for me.”
The “Little House on the Prairie” star also wrote that her husband has the “strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known.”
While awaiting his next court appearance, Busfield will be able to return home with his wife, ABC News reports.
I believe he is not guilty and the mother of the two boys that was cut from the show lied!!!! I think when he is found not guilty he should sue her!!!! Let Mrs Gilbert return to where the heart is and let them get on with their lives!!!
I think that the police report where the two boys in separate categorically denied Busfield touching them should have been released when they announced the warrant for his arrest. It certainly made the case look much better for Busfield as it should have. I also think that when the twins were not rehired the mother did this as revenge. She should be put on the stand and made to testify that way if Busfield is found not guilty they criminally charge the mother with perjury. I also hope Busfield’s lawyer has put in a lawsuit with a lien against all assets owned by these parents.