Actor and director Timothy Busfield will be released from a New Mexico jail while awaiting trial in a sex abuse case, a judge has ruled.
The Emmy-winning actor, who surrendered to local authorities last week, is accused of sexually abusing two boys on the set of a TV series he directed and produced. Busfield, 68, has denied the allegations.
Prosecutors had sought his detention, arguing there was a "pattern" of inappropriate behaviour that culminated on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a series filmed in New Mexico.
Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, was present in court on Tuesday and broke into tears as the judge delivered the ruling.
Judge David A. Murphy authorised Busfield's release on the actor's own recognisance and without bail, with the requirement to appear at all future court dates.
