Gary Busey, the eccentric 80-year-old actor known for The Buddy Holly Story and Lethal Weapon, stepped into the legal spotlight today, March 24, 2025, for a virtual arraignment in Camden Superior Court. Nearly three years after allegedly groping three women at the Monster-Mania Convention in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Busey’s facing down charges that could land him in hot water—or get him a pass. Today’s hearing, his latest in a long-dragging case, kicked off at 1:21 PM EDT (9:21 PM +04), 6abc Philadelphia, and it’s got fans and foes buzzing about what’s next for the Hollywood wild card.
Back to the Start: The Convention Chaos
Rewind to August 12–14, 2022—Busey was a headliner at Monster-Mania Con, a horror fan fest at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill. Things went sideways quick when three women accused him of crossing lines during photo ops.
Court docs spill the messy details:
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One woman said Busey got too close to her chest and tried to unhook her bra strap after a creepy comment about where she “got” her breasts.
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Another claimed he grabbed her backside.
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A third victim, a teen, told her dad Busey touched her too, sparking a police report that turned the convention into a crime scene.
Cherry Hill PD hit Busey with:
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Two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact
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One count of attempted criminal sexual contact
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A harassment rap on August 19, 2022
The charges stuck, and the convention kicked him out after attendees sounded the alarm.
Today’s Hearing: Pleading Not Guilty, Pushing Back
Fast forward to today—Busey, dialing in from Malibu, didn’t back down. His attorney, Joseph D. Lento, entered a not guilty plea on all counts during the virtual session. Lento’s not just playing defense—he’s swinging for a knockout, filing to dismiss the case outright.
He’s leaning on “exculpatory affidavits” from witnesses who say it didn’t happen like the accusers claim,
“GARY BUSEY ARRAIGNED! … his attorney is first trying to dismiss the case outright, based on exculpatory affidavits” @JulieCourtTV
Busey’s camp has been loud about this since day one—back in 2022, he told TMZ it was all nonsense:
“Nothing happened … took less than 10 seconds, then they left,”
— Gary Busey
Today, that tune hasn’t changed, and Lento’s betting those sworn statements could tank the prosecution’s story.
What’s at Stake?
Under New Jersey law, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact means up to 18 months behind bars if he’s convicted—think “unwanted touching with coercion,” no severe injury needed. But @JulieCourtTV on X hints Busey might dodge jail with a diversion program—think probation or counseling—if the dismissal flops. The catch? The judge hasn’t tipped their hand yet, and today’s hearing didn’t set a firm next date, leaving it “ongoing” for now.
The Long Road Here
This ain’t Busey’s first court rodeo, but it’s been a slog. After the initial charges, his first hearing was set for August 31, 2022, then yanked. December 2024 saw Lento stalling for more witness prep time, pushing it into 2025. Today’s arraignment finally got him on the record—virtually, at least—but it’s still a waiting game. Cherry Hill PD’s keeping the investigation open, asking for tips.
What’s Coming?
Busey’s not spilling much—he’s let Lento do the talking since that 2022 TMZ rant. Next steps hinge on whether the judge buys the dismissal pitch or pushes it to trial.
For now, the Point Break star’s in a holding pattern—80, weathered, and fighting to keep his name clear. Stay tuned