Melissa Gilbert's Son Michael Calls Stepdad Timothy Busfield His 'Hero' Who Has 'Shown Up' More Than 'Biological Father’ By Bailey Richards 22

Melissa Gilbert’s son is supporting stepdad Timothy Busfield as he faces child sex abuse allegations.

In a character letter for The West Wing alum, the youngest of Gilbert’s two adult sons, 30-year-old Michael Boxleitner, wrote that Busfield, 68, has “shown up for me as a father” more than his “biological” dad, according to a Saturday, Jan. 17 court filing obtained by PEOPLE.

Michael — whom Gilbert, 61, shares with ex-husband Bruce Boxleitner — began his statement by writing that he has known Busfield, who became his stepfather in April 2013, “since I was 15 years old.” (Gilbert is also mom to son Dakota Brinkman, whom she shares with her first husband, Bo Brinkman.)

“As I sit here trying to write this letter, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion, my mind flooded with so many memories, trying to find the words that can perfectly encapsulate just how much of an incredible human being my step-father is,” Michael wrote. “And the answer that keeps coming back to me is that Timothy Busfield is my hero.”

“Ever since we met, he has shown up for me as a father more in the 15 years l’ve known him than my own biological father ever has in the entirety of my life,” he continued. “He is kind, thoughtful, and carries himself with a stalwart integrity all of us could only ever hope to match.”

The Field of Dreams actor was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after he surrendered to Albuquerque police.

The charges are in connection with incidents that allegedly occurred while Busfield was a director on the second season of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady, which aired in 2022. In that case, the alleged victims are 11-year-old twin boys. (A pretrial detention motion filed on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and obtained by PEOPLE, included an unrelated allegation of sexual abuse.)

In his letter, Michael also shared his professional observations about Busfield. “I have been able to witness these qualities not only as his step-son, but as a professional actor as well,” he wrote.

Continued Michael, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tim multiple times, either behind the camera or on stage and I think I can say on behalf of everyone that’s worked with him before, that he makes everyday at work worth showing up for. As a director, he creates a space where all feel welcome and equal, filling the days with light and laughter while keeping a professional setting.”

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Gilbert’s youngest son concluded the letter by once again praising Busfield’s character, before pleading with the judge handling his case to “take care of him.”

“Your honor, the quality of Tim’s character is unlike anyone l’ve ever known, and probably ever will know,” Michael wrote. “There is no man on this earth more worthy of respect, kindness and care in my eyes. Despite all of the times that he has stepped up for me, right now in this moment, I feel so powerless to do the same for him, so I ask you your honor to please take care of him for me.”

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Michael’s character letter was one of several in the Jan. 17 filing. His girlfriend also penned a letter in support of Busfield, writing, in part, that Michael’s “honesty, warmth, and compassion come from having Tim as a role model.”

Several other members of Busfield’s family also wrote letters of support, including Gilbert, who also described the actor’s impact on her youngest son.

“One of the great joys of my life has been watching Tim interact with my youngest son, Michael,” the Little House on the Prairie actress wrote. “Michael was a teenager when Tim and I got together. A full blown, angst-ridden teenager trying to figure out his place in the world.”

“Tim nurtured and guided Michael. He admonished, praised, loved, consoled, cajoled, fretted, cared for, and fed my son both physically and spiritually,” she continued. “I will never be able to express the depth of gratitude I have to God for bringing this wonderful human into our lives.”