Timothy Busfield’s Indictment Thrown Out Over Prosecutor Misconduct, Cross-Examination Begins in the Brand Trial, Mistrial for Paitin Fields

A New Mexico judge threw out the indictment against actor and director Timothy Busfield on Friday, finding the prosecution failed to act in a fair and impartial manner before the grand jury. Judge Joseph Montano ruled that grand jurors asked three times to hear from additional witnesses — who were waiting in the hallway — and that the prosecutor used an unexplained procedure and an incomplete explanation of the subpoena rules, with the practical effect of unilaterally withholding them. Only two witnesses appeared before that grand jury: Busfield and an Albuquerque police detective. Busfield, indicted in February on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child in connection with allegations made on the Albuquerque set of The Cleaning Lady, has denied the allegations throughout; prosecutors say they have not decided whether to seek a new indictment, and the ruling expressly allows them to. Also: the first two complainants in Russell Brand’s trial were cross-examined at Southwark Crown Court; he denies all seven charges. And a judge declared a mistrial in the David Prevatte case in Pender County, North Carolina, after finding jurors discussed information never presented in court. Garret Fisher reports.

Join our new FB groups page here. Take the poll!

Join the Daily Crime & Justice community on social media! We're building a passionate group of true crime enthusiasts who love diving deep into the most shocking cases in America.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching "Daily Crime & Justice" on either platform. 

You'll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, breaking news updates on cases we're covering, and early alerts when new episodes drop. Our social media is where Garret Fisher's hottest takes live, including reactions that don't make it into the show.

But more importantly, it's where YOU come in. Share your theories, debate the verdicts, and connect with fellow listeners who are just as obsessed with justice as you are. Did the jury get it right? What questions do you still have? Your comments and insights often shape future episodes.

We cover the trials that matter, but our community makes the conversation unforgettable. Come for Garret's signature cynical commentary, stay for the incredible discussions with thousands of true crime fans who get it.