Gary Busey Sentenced to Two Years Probation for Criminal Sexual Contact

CAMDEN, N.J., Sept. 18, 2025 - Actor Gary Busey, 81, was today handed a two-year probationary term by a Camden County Superior Court judge after pleading guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact stemming from an August 2022 fan convention incident.

Key Facts

  • Busey admitted to intentionally touching a woman’s buttocks over clothing during a photo-op at Monster-Mania Con in Cherry Hill, N.J.
  • Judge Gwendolyn Blue imposed probation despite defense pleas for only financial penalties, citing Busey’s prior convictions as aggravating factors.
  • Under the sentence, Busey must pay fines and supervision fees, submit a DNA sample and avoid any contact with the victim.

Nut Graf

The plea and sentencing mark the culmination of a three-year legal saga that began when multiple women accused Busey of nonconsensual touching during a 2022 horror convention appearance. The case has drawn attention to how age and health issues intersect with accountability for celebrity defendants.

Case Background

Gary Busey was arrested in 2022 after three women reported unwanted groping during a photo session at the DoubleTree Hotel in Camden. Initially facing multiple counts-including attempted sexual contact and harassment-Busey negotiated a plea deal in July 2025 to a single count of criminal sexual contact, admitting “it was not an accidental touching.”

Sentencing Details

Judge Blue recognized Busey’s severe brain injury from a 1988 motorcycle crash and his early dementia diagnosis but found aggravating factors, including prior disorderly conduct and hit-and-run convictions, outweighed medical considerations. The judge ruled:

  • Probation: Two years under court supervision
  • Financial Penalties: Fines and supervision fees to be paid promptly
  • DNA Requirement: Submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement
  • No Contact Order: Lifetime prohibition on contacting the victim

Reaction and Next Steps

During today’s virtual hearing, Busey appeared distracted at times, requesting breaks and demonstrating hearing difficulties. His defense attorney, Blair Zwillman, reiterated the actor’s desire to move on and comply with the court’s orders. With sentencing concluded, Busey faces close monitoring by probation authorities and must adhere strictly to the imposed conditions.

This disposition brings to a close one of the most closely watched legal matters involving a veteran character actor, highlighting both the enduring impact of alleged misconduct at fan events and the complexities of prosecuting elderly defendants with documented health issues.