Gary Busey Receives 2 Years’ Probation for Sexual Offense

​​Gary Busey has been sentenced to two years of probation after he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact earlier this year. A court sentenced the 81-year-old to a sexual offense at a fan convention in South Jersey three years ago. This judgment came after the defense cited numerous health issues with the actor, including dementia.

Gary Busey sentenced for sexual offense at 2022 horror convention

As per the latest reports from multiple outlets, including AP, Gary Busey, a veteran actor and Academy Award nominee, was sentenced to two years of probation. The actor has pleaded guilty to a sexual offense at a 2022 horror convention in New Jersey.

The actor reportedly pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. He was accused of touching the clothed buttocks of at least two female fans during a photo shoot at the convention. Another allegation against the actor involved him putting his face near a woman’s breasts. He also asked her where she got them.

Busey was initially arrested right after the incident at a hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He initially denied the allegations. He pleaded guilty to the crime in July 2025.

Before Gary Busey was handed probation, his defense attorney requested only a monetary fine for the offense, citing health concerns. The defense claimed he had early dementia and mobility problems, among other health issues.

After the probation was handed down, Blair Zwillman, Busey’s lawyer, said, “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” (via New York Times). However, Busey did not speak during the trial.

Gary Busey is best known for his role in The Buddy Holly Story (1978). For this, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. His other works include A Star Is Born (1976), D.C. Cab (1983), Silver Bullet (1985), Eye of the Tiger (1986), and Lethal Weapon (1987), among others.