As Timothy Busfield faces charges of alleged child sex abuse, Melissa Gilbert's youngest son, Michael Boxleitner, called his stepfather a "hero" in a character letter written to a judge. Michael, 30 - son of the Little House on the Prairie alum, 61, and actor Bruce Boxleitner - found himself "overwhelmed with emotion" and "flooded with so many memories" of his teen years spent with his mother and his stepfather as he struggled to find the words to describe Busfield. "The answer that keeps coming back to me is that Timothy Busfield is my hero," he wrote, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, January 16. "Ever since we met, he has shown up for me as a father more in the 15 years I've known him than my own biological father ever has in the entirety of my life." Dubbing him "kind" and "thoughtful," Michael said Timothy "carries himself with a stalwart integrity" that he'd been able to witness, not only as his step-son, but also as an actor. He said his stepfather makes "everyday at work worth showing up for" and that he "creates a space where all feel welcome and equal" while still "filling the days with light and laughter" and maintaining a "professional setting." Who Are Timothy Busfield's Kids? All About the Actor's Family Michael continued, "Your honor, the quality of Tim's character is unlike anyone I've ever known, and probably ever will know. 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." Timothy Busfield Steven Ferdman/Getty Images Melissa also wrote a letter praising the West Wing actor, 68, as a father figure. Noting that her youngest son was a "full blown, angst-ridden teenager trying to figure out his place in the world" when they got married, she said Timothy "nurtured and guided Michael" over the years. "He admonished, praised, loved, consoled, cajoled, fretted, cared for, and fed my son both physically and spiritually," the 61-year-old added. "I will never be able to express the depth of gratitude I have to God for bringing this wonderful human into our lives." Where Is Melissa Gilbert Now? Inside Her Life After 'Little House on the Prairie' As Us previously reported, the Thirtysomething alum was taken into police custody on January 13 after being accused of inappropriately touching two twin boys multiple times on the set of The Cleaning Lady from 2022 to 2024. He's denied all charges and his legal team is currently fighting his pretrial incarceration. "The state offers no reliable proof -only allegations advanced by witnesses with documented histories of fraud and financial exploitation, contradicted by a comprehensive studio investigation, and refuted by witnesses and objective risk assessments," the court filing obtained by Us read. "The Constitution does not allow liberty to be forfeited on such a foundation. The state's motion should be denied." If found guilty on all charges, Timothy could face a maximum of 15 years in prison. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.