Melissa Gilbert has shared a pointed message on social media after a New Mexico judge dismissed the child sexual abuse indictment against her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield.
On Friday, October 16, Gilbert, 62, posted the words, “So shines a good deed in a weary world,” on Instagram. The line is from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
The post came after Judge Joseph Montaño dismissed the indictment against Busfield, 69, who had faced four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The allegations involved twin boys who had worked on the television series The Cleaning Lady. Busfield has denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty.
In his ruling, the judge cited problems with the grand jury proceedings, including the prosecutor’s handling of witness instructions and requests. He found that the proceedings had violated legal safeguards designed to protect the grand jury process.
Gilbert has publicly defended her husband throughout the case. In an April interview with Good Morning America, the Little House on the Prairie actress described the ordeal as deeply traumatic for their family and expressed confidence in Busfield.
However, the dismissal does not necessarily mean the legal matter is over. Prosecutors can still consider presenting the case to a new grand jury. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said it was reviewing the judge’s order and evaluating its options.
Gilbert’s latest post did not directly address the ruling, leaving its precise meaning open to interpretation. The case has drawn significant public attention because of the serious allegations and the legal questions surrounding the dismissal.
For now, the indictment has been dismissed, but prosecutors have not ruled out further proceedings.