Police Ram The Door Of Melissa Gilbert's Hideaway As Stunning Details Emerge

Melissa Gilbert recently found herself pulled into a rapidly unfolding legal crisis after heavily armed federal agents stormed the secluded upstate New York home she shares with her husband, actor Timothy Busfield. 

The dramatic raid came as Busfield surrendered to authorities 2,000 miles away, following explosive allegations tied to his work on a television set. 

As investigators outline a case spanning years, multiple states, and deeply disturbing claims, every layer of the couple’s private life has come under intense public scrutiny.

Melissa Gilbert’s Catskills Retreat Stormed By Armed US Marshals

Gilbert’s quiet hideaway in the Catskill Mountains became the scene of a high-intensity federal operation when members of the New York Regional Fugitive Task Force descended on the property in Highland Lake, New York. 

According to the Daily Mail, at least ten officers arrived wearing helmets, shields, and full riot gear while carrying assault rifles. 

The “Little House on the Prairie” star’s $300,000 home was surrounded as officers demanded any occupants come outside.

When no one answered, marshals rammed open the white front door using a battering ram. 

Officers then entered the residence and spent approximately ten minutes inspecting the interior. 

Afterward, they cleared the snowy grounds surrounding the home, which includes an RV and an outhouse. 

Seven law enforcement vehicles were seen pulling into the driveway of the secluded property, located roughly 20 minutes from the Pennsylvania border.

The raid lasted about 20 minutes. Officers did not appear to remove any belongings before leaving. 

As they departed, marshals closed the front door, which remained on its hinges, and pushed the storm door shut. 

One officer declined to comment when asked whether authorities knew Busfield had already surrendered shortly before the raid.

Gilbert’s Home Targeted As Busfield Turns Himself In

The raid occurred less than an hour after news broke that Busfield had turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following the issuance of an arrest warrant two days earlier. 

Albuquerque police charged the “West Wing” actor with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

Busfield surrendered nearly 2,000 miles away from the New York home. 

It remains unclear whether Melissa Gilbert traveled to New Mexico to support her husband, but no one was present at the Catskills property during the raid.

Documents reviewed by the Daily Mail show Busfield is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County. 

His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. from the county jail.

Melissa Gilbert’s Husband Vows To Fight Charges After Arrest

After surrendering, Timothy Busfield spoke directly to TMZ from the office of his attorney in Albuquerque, adamantly denying all allegations. 

“I will confront these lies,” he said. “I did not do anything to those little boys.”

He explained how quickly events escalated once he learned of the warrant. 

“I was ordered to come to Albuquerque, and well, I’m here now,” he said. “I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer, and on Saturday I got a car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque.”

Referring to accusations that he inappropriately touched two young boys while directing the FOX series “The Cleaning Lady,” Busfield described them as “horrible lies.” 

He continued, “They’re all lies, and I did not do anything. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I know I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

Gilbert Defends Husband As Investigation Details Surface

Melissa Gilbert also moved quickly to address the situation through her representative. 

In a statement to the Daily Mail, the actress emphasized that she would not speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. 

“Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time,” the statement said. 

The representative also addressed false claims circulating online, noting that “Any purported 'statements’ circulating online - including AI-generated deepfakes of her breaking her silence,' should not be treated as coming from her.” 

The statement added that Gilbert is “honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds.” 

According to the rep, the actress’s focus is currently on supporting and caring for her and Busfield’s very large family, as they navigate this moment.

The statement concluded, “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”

Meanwhile, the criminal investigation has revealed extensive allegations. According to the arrest warrant, the probe began in November 2024 when staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted police about children potentially being groomed on set. 

Busfield has denied allegations that he inappropriately touched two brothers when they were seven years old. 

During a police interview, he reportedly claimed the allegations were a revenge plot by the boys’ parents after he declined to invite the children back to the show. 

His civil attorney, Larry Stein, echoed that claim to TMZ, alleging an actress on set said the boys’ mother vowed to get revenge.

Melissa Gilbert Named In Warrant As Timeline And Family History Emerge

According to the criminal complaint, Timothy Busfield allegedly told the boys to call him “Uncle Tim” and “would tickle them on the stomach and legs, despite them not liking the tickling.” 

While sexual touching was not initially alleged, a parent later reported in October 2025 that a child disclosed abuse to Child Protective Services.

The affidavit states the child told a therapist that Busfield touched his “genitalia” and “bottom” in a bedroom on set. 

At least one child involved was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

The 68-year-old told officers the contact was “playful” and denied any wrongdoing, though the complaint states he had “grown close to the boys” while they were on set.

The arrest warrant also claims Busfield and Gilbert had relationships with the alleged victims’ families outside of work. 

“They advised that they did buy the two boys Christmas gifts and were together [at] several social functions,” wrote Albuquerque Police Officer Marvin Brown. 

Brown added that Busfield “would invite the family to off-set gatherings, with his wife buying Christmas gifts to foster closeness.”