Gary Busey Sentenced to Probation for Sex Crime at 2022 Horror Convention

​​Gary Busey has been sentenced to probation, nearly two months after pleading guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.

According to the Associated Press and the Cherry Hill Courier-Post, the actor, 81, was sentenced to two years’ probation during a virtual court appearance on Thursday, Sept. 18. The charge stems from an incident that took place at a 2022 horror convention in New Jersey.

“Mr. Busey is pleased that the case has been resolved and that he can go on with his life without any continuing, daily public adversity,” his lawyer, Blair Zwillman, said on Saturday, Sept. 20, per The New York Times. Busey did not speak during the hearing.

According to the Courier-Post, the actor’s sentence comes after his attorney requested that he receive a fine after he pleaded guilty to the charge in July, citing health problems, including early dementia and mobility issues.

Superior Court Judge Gwendolyn Blue cited Busey’s prior charges — including his probationary terms in 2007 for trespass and disorderly conduct and in 2021 for a hit-and-run — as a reason for his probationary sentence, per the New Jersey outlet.

The charge stems from Busey’s 2022 appearance at Monster-Mania, during which three women reported that the actor touched them inappropriately during an autograph signing meet-and-greet.

Following the incident, Busey was arrested at a hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J., and was accused of touching the clothed buttocks of at least two female fans during a photo shoot, the Courier-Post reported.

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A probable cause statement obtained by the outlet also alleged that Busey put his face near a woman’s breasts and “asked her where she got them, before attempting to unlatch her bra strap.”

The actor initially denied any wrongdoing, telling TMZ in 2022, “None of that happened.”

“It was a partner, a camera lady and me, and two girls … it took less than 10 seconds, and they left. Then they made up a story that I assaulted them sexually, and I did not. Nothing happened, it’s all false,” he said at the time.

He later admitted to the incident, pleading guilty earlier this year on July 31.

According to the Times, Busey had faced a maximum sentence of five years’ probation and a $500 fine. His attorney told the outlet that the shorter probation sentence allows Busey to seek early termination after one year.

Busey also faces a civil suit from two women in New York, who are seeking damages as a result of the Monster Mania encounter.

The actor was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story. He also has appeared in dozens of other films, including Predator 2 and Point Break.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.