Villain Edit: Timothy Busfield

Facing criminal charges relating to the alleged sexual abuse of two boys, Timothy Busfield has been released from custody awaiting trial.

The charges that Busfield is facing are two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Prosecutors believe that the incidents occurred during the production of crime drama, The Cleaning Lady.

Busfield, aged 68, is an Emmy-winning actor. He's best known for roles in Thirtysomething, and The West Wing. Busfield is married to Melissa Gilbert.

"The claims being made against Tim are completely false, and we will fight this to the end until the truth prevails..." said Busfield's lawyer, Stanton Stein, speaking to the media.

Busfield's lawyer has outlined a defence that these allegations have been made as a form of revenge by the mother of the boys - twin brothers, aged 11 at the time of the alleged offences. The boys were actors in the production and their contract was terminated by Busfield who is the director and executive producer of The Cleaning Lady. It is alleged that Busfield groomed and sexually abused the boys during production of the series.

In an affidavit supporting his arrest warrant, it's claimed that the boys referred to Busfield as "Uncle Tim" and alleged that he "would tickle them on the stomach and legs". Both boys told authorities they were touched inappropriately for years, the arrest affidavit states. One of the boys alleged that Busfield touched his private areas, according to court documents. The boy told authorities that the alleged inappropriate touching started when he was 7 years old and he was scared to speak out because he "feared" that Busfield would "get mad at him".

It doesn't appear to have yet been confirmed when the trail will begin.