This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
Since he was taken into custody on child sex abuse charges, actor Timothy Busfield has garnered a solid support base of family friends and Hollywood colleagues.
More than 70 people wrote letters to a New Mexico judge attesting to the 68-year-old's character, according to a Jan. 16 court filing from Busfield's legal team reviewed by USA TODAY.
The character witnesses ranged from Busfield's kindergarten friends to neighbors, former costars and family members. His wife, the actor Melissa Gilbert, her children and mother Barbara Gilbert Cowan were among the relatives who submitted letters alongside Busfield's siblings and his son, Samuel Busfield.
"The West Wing" alum's costars on ABC's Emmy-winning series "Thirtysomething," including Polly Draper, Peter Horton, Mel Harris, Ken Olin, Patricia Wettig Olin and Melanie Mayron each wrote positive messages of support, as did showrunners Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick.
