Veteran actor Gary Busey has pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from a 2022 fan convention incident in New Jersey. The 81-year-old, known for his roles in Point Break and The Buddy Holly Story, entered his plea during a virtual court hearing, where he admitted to inappropriate conduct during a photo session at the event.
The incident took place at the annual Monster Mania Convention, held at the Doubletree Hotel in Camden. During the court session, Busey confirmed that the physical contact in question had not been accidental. Although he wore a hearing aid “as loud as it will go,” he still had difficulty hearing portions of the hearing.
Busey Accepts Deal As Charges Are Reduced
According to Court TV, Gary Busey pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The plea was part of a deal in which prosecutors agreed to drop three additional counts of the same charge, along with one attempted count. All allegations were related to inappropriate touching during fan photo shoots at the convention.
As part of the agreement, Gary Busey now faces one to five years of probation. His attorney has requested that he receive only a financial penalty. However, the plea will result in a permanent criminal record, and Busey will also be required to provide a DNA sample. The remaining charges will be dismissed as a result of the plea deal.
Defense Challenges Case, But Judge Upholds Indictment
During the court hearing, Busey’s attorney, Blair Zwillman, argued that the indictment should be thrown out. He claimed investigators overlooked key witness statements and failed to properly conduct interviews. The defense alleged that the investigation was incomplete and flawed from the start.
Prosecutors disagreed, stating that all relevant evidence had been shared with the grand jury. Judge Gwendolyn Blue ultimately denied the motion to dismiss, ruling that legal standards had been met. Gary Busey’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18 and will take place via Zoom.