Breaking: Timothy Busfield Surrenders: “I Didn’t Do Anything To Those Little Boys”

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Breaking: Timothy Busfield Surrenders: “I Didn’t Do Anything To Those Little Boys”
Air Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes

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Episode Overview

In this urgent, unfolding episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes deliver real-time updates and analysis on the breaking news of Emmy award-winning actor Timothy Busfield surrendering to authorities in Albuquerque after being charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving minors. The hosts break down the timeline of his disappearance and surrender, detail what is known about the charges and the alleged victims, discuss the immediate fallout in entertainment (including NBC’s decisive reaction), and examine Busfield’s and his wife Melissa Gilbert’s public responses. They also scrutinize the defense’s early positioning and reflect on the cultural and personal implications of these allegations.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Timeline: The Search for Timothy Busfield

• Warrant and Disappearance (01:06–02:52)

  • Arrest warrant issued Jan 9 by Albuquerque PD.
  • Four-day gap before Busfield turned himself in; U.S. Marshals involved, making it seem as though he was missing or “on the run.”
  • Social media went dark as Melissa Gilbert (his wife) deleted her accounts, sparking concern.

  “We were kind of standing by all day and waiting like, wait a minute, this has got to be something else to this… there’s no way he’s on the run.” — T.J. Holmes (02:07)

2. Charges and Details of Allegations

• Nature of Crimes and Victims (04:50–05:59)

  • Busfield charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
  • Alleged victims are twin boys who worked with him on "The Cleaning Lady."
  • Boys allege abuse started at age 7, occurred over multiple years, initially described as “tickling,” later recognized as molestation.
  • Investigation affidavit describes "grooming," including gift-giving and involving Busfield’s wife.

  “They claimed over a two year period… [Busfield] touched their penis, touched their buttocks... It evolved into full-blown molestation.” — Amy Robach (05:13)

  “The investigator flat out said this was grooming, at least from his experience, and thought that Timothy Busfield and even mentioned his wife… were involved in giving gifts…” — T.J. Holmes (05:59)

3. Entertainment Fallout

• SVU Episode Pulled (03:37–04:43)

  • NBC yanked a scheduled Law and Order: Special Victims Unit episode featuring Busfield as a guest judge.
  • The episode was to air January 15, just days after charges were publicized.
  • The hosts acknowledge this was an unavoidable decision given the nature of both the crime and the television show.

  “How can you have Timothy Busfield now charged with a sexual crime being featured on your show as a judge?” — Amy Robach (03:37)

4. Busfield’s Statement & Demeanor

• Public Denial (07:14–08:43)

  • Busfield, in a video from his attorney’s office (posted by TMZ), denied all allegations, calling them “all lies.”
  • He described driving 2,000 miles to confront the charges, expressing confidence in his eventual exoneration.
  • Hosts describe his statement as sincere, earnest, and oddly calm, but note he looked exhausted and seemed to anticipate spending time in custody.

  “I did not do anything to those little boys. And I’m going to fight it… I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies." — Timothy Busfield (quoted at 07:14)

  “He came off sincere. He came off like somebody who was earnest... He seemed calm and cool headed." — Amy Robach (08:01)

5. Melissa Gilbert’s Role and Reaction

• Support and Controversy (10:43–12:19)

  • Gilbert, Busfield’s wife, is a notable actress (“Little House on the Prairie”) and is publicly standing by her husband.
  • She had recently spoken out on social media about the exploitation of young actors, creating a notable irony given current allegations.
  • Affidavit suggests Gilbert was either used as a pawn for grooming or may have been complicit, but this remains unsubstantiated.

  “The irony of then, now her husband being charged with that very thing.” — Amy Robach (11:56) “She is standing by him… believes in her husband… and will support him throughout all of it.” — Amy Robach (11:01)

6. Defense’s Early Strategy

• Revenge Allegation (12:32–13:11)

  • Busfield’s attorney alleges a revenge motive: the accusations allegedly followed the twins being cut from the show, suggesting the mother was seeking “revenge.”
  • The hosts express skepticism over this “defense,” describing the seriousness of such a plot.

  “This is a hell of a way to go about it.” — T.J. Holmes (12:57) “So that is going to be part of his defense that this is a revenge plot by the mother because her sons were no longer in the final season.” — Amy Robach (13:01)

7. Language and Presentation

• ‘Surrendered’ vs. ‘Presented Himself’ (13:34–14:26)

  • Busfield’s attorney prefers the language “presented himself to authorities” rather than “surrendered” or “turned himself in,” emphasizing voluntary compliance.

  “He didn’t even want to have the language out there that he turned himself in or that he surrendered… he presented himself to authorities.” — Amy Robach (13:35)

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Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “He was supposed to be a judge on SV Frickin you.” — T.J. Holmes (04:39)
• “I drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies. And I did not do anything to those little boys.” — Timothy Busfield (via Amy Robach, 07:14)
• “Whether she was used as a pawn in his scheme or if she was complicit in it, who knows? But at least we do know that today she is standing by her husband.” — Amy Robach (12:09)
• “He presented himself to authorities. Yes. He didn't even want to have the language out there that he turned himself in or that he surrendered, which is what most of the headlines have said.” — Amy Robach (13:35)
• “What are the chances?” — T.J. Holmes (11:56, regarding Melissa Gilbert’s prior advocacy and the timing of the charges)

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Segments & Timestamps

• Developing story & timeline recap: 01:06–02:52
• Nature of allegations & victims: 04:50–05:59
• Entertainment consequences (SVU): 03:37–04:43
• Details from the police affidavit/grooming: 05:59–06:49
• Busfield’s public denial: 07:14–08:43
• Melissa Gilbert’s role/reaction: 10:43–12:19
• Defense’s ‘revenge’ claim: 12:32–13:11
• Language over surrender: 13:34–14:26

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Overall Tone and Takeaways

The hosts approach the case with journalistic urgency and measured skepticism, providing both breaking news updates and fair, thoughtful commentary as the story unfolds. They stress the gravity of the allegations, address the rapid fallout for all parties involved, and invite listeners to seek out Busfield’s statement to form their own opinions.

The episode is engaging, fast-paced, and honest about the uncertainty surrounding next legal steps, with the hosts promising to return with further developments as they emerge.

Transcript

[Amy Rock]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[T.J. Holmes]

Guaranteed Human success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Rock]

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[T.J. Holmes]

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[Amy Rock]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at apu Apus. Edu.

[Josh Zeman]

A decade ago, I was on the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 when he was finally caught, the answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him? I'm Josh Zeman, and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now listen for on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts.

[T.J. Holmes]

Hey there, folks. It is Tuesday, January 13, and as of this recording, a developing story, actor Tim Busville has apparently turned himself into authorities to face accusations of child sexual assault. With that, welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ and Ropes. He turned himself in after what has been kind of a strange 24, 48 hours of wondering if he was even a fugitive.

[Amy Rock]

Yes, because we were wondering when we woke up this morning when we saw the reports that yes, we know the Albuquerque Police Department put out a warrant for Tim Busfield's arrest, but then to wake up this morning to find that U.S. marshals say that they were now involved. They confirmed that they were looking for couldn't find Timothy Busfield marshals. That was alarming because that arrest warrant, by the way, was issued January 9th. So here we are January 13th, four days later, and you've got police and U.S. marshals saying they don't know where he is.

[T.J. Holmes]

So he has popped up and we have heard from him and seen him. We will share that in just a moment. But robes, these were marshals we got. We were son of standing by all day and waiting like, wait a minute, this has got to be something else to this. Something is going on. There's no way he's on the run.

[Amy Rock]

Right. Because the developments we had were that they couldn't find him, that he hadn't been located, and that he officially was not in custody despite the arrest warrant being there. Then we get were that Melissa Gilbert, his wife, of course, of Little House on the Prairie fame, she deleted all of her social media accounts. So that was. So they go dark and they can't find him. People are starting to get concerned. And yes, we were curious, is this guy making a run for it?

[T.J. Holmes]

Yeah. And when we heard marshals, I mean, it's their job to track people down. You know, just bring them in to consult. All right. So we're told now he has, yes, turned himself in in Albuquerque. Again, actor and director. This is a Emmy award winning actor, Timothy Busfell. Many people remember him from 30something. This was in the 90s, but this was the show where he won his Emmy and got several Emmy nominations for it. He also has done plenty of guest appearances on a number of shows. This is one of those guys we talked about, Rose. People don't immediately know his name, but you certainly know his face. And you tell me they were set to see his face again pretty soon, but now they won't. So some folks are making decisions about this guy being on their program.

[Amy Rock]

That's correct. So NBC pulled Timothy Will pulled an entire episode of Law and Order SVU that featured Timothy Busfield as their guest star. That was supposed to air on Thursday, January 15th, a new episode. They actually had to yank it or they made the decision to yank it. And now I've had to put the next week's planned episode and move it up. So they have a hole they're gonna have to fill. But they made a call, obviously. Think about what the show is. Law and Order Special Victims Unit. I mean, they are looking at people who have dealt with sexual crimes. So how can you have Timothy Busfield now charged with a sexual crime being featured on your show as a judge? By the way, that was the role he was playing in this episode.

[T.J. Holmes]

What was the air date? Did you have that?

[Amy Rock]

Thursday, January 15, as in this week.

[T.J. Holmes]

The less than a week. What are the chances of that? Less than a week after he's charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor?

[Amy Rock]

Yes.

[T.J. Holmes]

He was supposed to be a judge on SV Frickin you.

[Amy Rock]

That's correct. The chance they had to pull the episode, they made the right call. There really wasn't another way to deal with that.

[T.J. Holmes]

So reminder here, the victims here, Two boys. Two boys, twins, that worked with him on a show. Yes, they worked on the show, the cleaning lady that was on Fox for four seasons. But these boys, they came forward with the allegation. And again, robes, a reminder. Please remind folks this wasn't just a one off thing. This wasn't just one person the boy said it to. And it. It was almost as if the adults had to get it out of the kids.

[Amy Rock]

That's correct. So the boys, when they were first talking with a therapist and then when they were further questioned later by their parents and then a therapist, they had said that at the age of seven, it happened, I think three or four times. And then they said when they were eight, it happened another handful of times. So this wasn't a one off. They claimed over a two year period. There were multiple, multiple times where they claimed Timothy Busfield. They said, touch their penis, Touch their buttocks. That's how they described it. Initially. They told their parents he was tickling them in their thighs and stomach. And then it evolved into full blown molestation.

[T.J. Holmes]

And from the affidavit we shared that the investigator flat out said this was grooming, at least from his experience, and thought that Timothy Busfield and even mentioned his wife.

[Amy Rock]

Yeah, they did.

[T.J. Holmes]

Were involved in giving gifts to the family and getting the family close. He said this was classic stuff. Now, robes you took. I guess we kind of scratched our heads with what was in the affidavit with what Timothy Busfield told police about what happened. This will give you an idea. He said, I don't really remember picking those boys up. I remember picking up the boy who followed them. I'd pick him up and he'd be giggling and that would sort of get him ready to act. I don't remember those boys. No, I don't. I don't actually. I don't remember if it happened. I don't remember overtly tickling the boys ever. But it wouldn't be uncommon for me.

[Amy Rock]

Wow.

[T.J. Holmes]

But that was included that verbatim in the police report. Now, Timothy Busfield is speaking again. We heard from him and we're seeing him now. This is coming to us from tmz. They have a video of him. It looks like they tracked him down. They say at his attorney's office in Albuquerque. It looks like he made a video for them specifically is what it appears. But we have the verbatim and I can't roll it for you here, but we can tell you what he said.

[Amy Rock]

Yes, he says, hey, everybody, it's Tim. I'm sure most of most of you know that are watching that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque. I'm here now. I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in a car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies. And I did not do anything to those little boys. And I'm going to fight it. I'M going to fight it with a great team and I'm going to be exonerated. I, I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies. So hang in there and hopefully I'm out real soon and back to work and I love everybody for supporting me.

[T.J. Holmes]

What'd you make of a statement? Well, you watched it too, as well, right?

[Amy Rock]

Yeah, I watched it too.

[T.J. Holmes]

How did he come off to you?

[Amy Rock]

He came off sincere. He came off like somebody who was earnest. He didn't, he wasn't trying too hard. He wasn't overly emotional. He seemed calm and cool headed. I mean he, I thought it was a good video for someone who was trying to convince everyone that he had nothing to do with these charges.

[T.J. Holmes]

Looked, I think he looked tired. He looked a little exhausted. There was one point in there where he referenced, he said, I drove all the way wherever he is and standing you see pretty much desert behind him. So you referenced what was going on behind him. The last couple of lines that I, I, I took a little pause. He said, I hope I'm out real soon.

[Amy Rock]

Yeah.

[T.J. Holmes]

What was that?

[Amy Rock]

He was thinking that once he turned himself in, and that is happening right now as we record this, that who knows if he was going to get out tonight, if he could get out on a property bond, if they were going to allow him to post bail, if there was when he was going to get a bail hearing. So I think he was preparing himself for having to spend the night or perhaps nights.

[T.J. Holmes]

And that is not an answer. We have just yet again as of this recording, but again hopping on here because we do have a developing story that Timothy Busfield has been tracked down after by all accounts, he was missing for the past 24 to 48 hours after a warrant was issued for his arrest. But stay here. We'll get into what happens next and exactly who he's married to. And yes, Robes already mentioned what she's done on social media. But what is she going to do next? Stay here. Success starts with your drive. And American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Rock]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs, APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward, whether.

[T.J. Holmes]

You'Re changing careers, starting fresh or pursuing a lifelong passion. APU's programs are designed for people who never stop.

[Amy Rock]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at apu Apus Edu.

[T.J. Holmes]

We continue here on Amy and tj. Wild to think, Robes, that he wasn't ever officially called a fugitive by any member of law enforcement.

[Amy Rock]

No, I Actually Googled it to see if that's what they were saying. And they just said they didn't know his location and he hadn't turned himself in yet. And they said they didn't know his whereabouts and that the US Marshals were involved.

[T.J. Holmes]

So.

[Amy Rock]

So kind of like you just defined probably a fugitive, but they just didn't use the F word.

[T.J. Holmes]

Oh, okay. I got you a reminder because you had to remind me. Melissa Gilbert.

[Amy Rock]

Yes. She of course played Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie. I grew up watching her, loving her. She is beloved by so many. So, yes, this is her husband. I didn't realize she was married to him. This third marriage each. They've talked about their love story, how they met, I think 10, 11 years ago. But she is standing by him. In fact, that has been just reported now that he has turned himself in. They said that she fully stands behind her husband, believes in her husband, and will support him throughout all of it. So that is interesting to note. And yes, she did delete her entire social media because literally, the post before this came about, she was speaking out about how younger and actors aren't protected and that she was just 15 when she was made to be married and have like, passionate love scenes with an actor who was a decade older than her and how that was inappropriate. So she was speaking out about inappropriate behavior when children are on movie and TV set. So the irony of then, now her husband being charged with that very thing.

[T.J. Holmes]

Again, what are the chances?

[Amy Rock]

And her also being implicated in the grooming process, whether she knew it or not, that she was inviting the children to be with them at in holidays and buying Christmas gifts.

[T.J. Holmes]

So he specifically said.

[Amy Rock]

Yeah, like whether she was used as a pawn in his scheme or if she was complicit in it, who knows? But at least we do know that today she is standing by her husband.

[T.J. Holmes]

And again, all lies, he is saying. Absolutely all lies. And robe plays a reminder as well that the. There is a suggestion in the affidavit as well that this is a plan or a plot against him.

[Amy Rock]

Yes. So actually, Busfield's lawyer says that there is a revenge factor at work. And he says in the criminal complaint that there is an actress on set who said that the mother of those twin boys told her she was going to get revenge against Timothy Busfield because her sons were cut from the final season of the show. They were replaced by another actor.

[T.J. Holmes]

This is a hell of a way to go about it.

[Amy Rock]

Just.

[T.J. Holmes]

Yes, just slash its tires. Jesus.

[Amy Rock]

I know. So that is going to be part of his defense that this is a revenge plot by the mother because her sons were no longer in the final season.

[T.J. Holmes]

All right. We're keeping an eye on this developing story this afternoon. We'll hop on if there's any significant update, but we're standing by. We don't know. Is he going to get booked? Will we get a mug shot? Will he post bail? What is going to happen? And we just heard ropes at least NBC is reporting that his attorney is suggesting or using this language. He presented himself.

[Amy Rock]

Yes.

[T.J. Holmes]

To authorities.

[Amy Rock]

Yes. He didn't even want to have the language out there that he turned himself in or that he surrendered, which is what most of the headlines have said. But yes, that is a good point that the NBC reporter said his attorney radio really wanted that to be the language used that he presented himself to authorities. Although it did sound like from that video he is prepared to perhaps even spend the night. I would encourage everybody, not that I would send everyone to tmz, but it is interesting if you're interested in this case, to click play and actually watch Timothy Bus Field defend himself and talk about, you know, how he got where he is today in Albuquerque. But I think I would encourage everybody just to read that, watch that for themselves and form their own opinion about what they think about his response to the charges.

[T.J. Holmes]

We're directing people to Harvey.

[Amy Rock]

I know, I know. I hesitated. I do think the video is valuable when it comes to the story.

[T.J. Holmes]

It is on this one, folks. All right. We appreciate you as always, for spending some time here with us. I am T.J. holmes. On behalf of my dear Amy Rock, we will talk to you also. Success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Rock]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs, APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.

[T.J. Holmes]

Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh or pursuing a lifelong passion. APU's programs are designed for people who never stop.

[Amy Rock]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at APU Apus Edu. If you're an H VAC technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Josh Zeman]

A decade ago, I was on the trail of one of the country's most elusive serial killers. But it wasn't until 2023 when he was finally caught, the answers were there, hidden in plain sight. So why did it take so long to catch him?

[T.J. Holmes]

Josh.

[Josh Zeman]

I'm Josh Zieman, and this is Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, the investigation into the most notorious killer in New York since the Son of Sam. Available now listen for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amy Rock]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.