Timothy Busfield's Attorney Shares a New Detail in the Case

Timothy Busfield’slegal team is adding a new detail to his defense.

In a brief statement sent to Parade dated Jan. 14, Busfield’s attorney Stanton “Larry” Stein said the actor “submitted to an independent polygraph examination” about the allegations in the criminal complaint — and “passed.” The statement frames the test as a voluntary step and reiterates that Busfield denies the allegations and maintains they are “completely false.”

What This New Statement Proves

Stein’s claim is straightforward: Busfield took a lie detector test and passed. What’s missing is the context that usually matters with polygraphs, like who administered the exam, what questions were asked, how the test was scored, and whether the results would be admissible in court.

That distinction is important because polygraphs are widely debated. The U.S. Supreme Court has previously noted there’s “no consensus” that polygraph evidence is reliable.

New Mexico is also unusual compared to many states: polygraph results can be admissible under specific evidentiary requirements (including qualifications and procedures), rather than being automatically excluded across the board.

So, at this point, Stein’s statement functions more like a public defense move than a court filing the public can evaluate.

Related: Melissa Gilbert Is Mentioned in Court Documents Detailing Allegations Against Her Husband

Where The Case Stands

As previously reported, Busfield surrendered to New Mexico authorities on Jan. 13 after an arrest warrant was issued. He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

Busfield has denied the allegations publicly.

Related: Melissa Gilbert Breaks Silence on Timothy Busfield’s Arrest for Alleged Child Sex Abuse

What’s Next

If Busfield’s team intends to lean on the polygraph beyond PR, the next questions are the ones that actually matter: who administered it, what “independent” means here, and whether the defense plans to try to introduce the results under New Mexico’s evidentiary rules.

Until then, Stein’s statement is a notable update, but not a substitute for what will ultimately play out through motions, hearings, and the court record.

This is a developing story.

Next: Timothy Busfield’s Attorney Releases Statement Amid Allegations