Gary Busey sentenced to 2 years’ probation in NJ case
TL;DR:
- Gary Busey was sentenced to two years’ probation on Sept. 18, 2025.
- The case stems from a 2022 incident at Monster-Mania in Cherry Hill, NJ.
- He pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
- The judge ordered no contact with the victim and fines.
- He can seek to transfer probation to California and appeal within 45 days.
Actor Gary Busey, 81, received a two-year probation sentence in Camden County, New Jersey, on Sept. 18, 2025. The sentence follows his guilty plea to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact linked to a 2022 horror convention in Cherry Hill. The hearing was virtual, and Busey appeared from California. He declined to make a statement when the judge offered him a chance to speak, telling the court he was following his lawyer’s advice, according to 6abc and WHYY reporting based on the hearing feed.
Where and when the case began
The case traces to the Monster-Mania Convention at a Cherry Hill hotel on Aug. 13, 2022. Multiple women reported that Busey touched them inappropriately during photo sessions with fans. Local coverage and court filings detailed the allegations and led to charges in New Jersey. Busey later admitted to inappropriate touching during a brief photo op, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia, citing statements from his manager to the Associated Press in August 2025.
The plea and the sentence
Busey pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of criminal sexual contact. Prosecutors dismissed additional counts as part of the plea deal. On Sept. 18, 2025, Superior Court Judge Gwendolyn Blue imposed two years of probation. The judge also ordered fines and a no-contact order with the victim. Busey has 45 days to appeal. He may request to transfer supervision to California, per 6abc’s account of the sentencing.
People reported that the judge weighed Busey’s prior encounters with the justice system when choosing probation over a fine-only sentence. CBS News Philadelphia confirmed the two-year term and the virtual appearance before the Camden County judge.
Background on Busey
Busey is an Academy Award nominee for “The Buddy Holly Story.” He is also known for roles in “Point Break,” “Lethal Weapon,” and “Predator 2.” The case drew wide attention due to his long career, frequent convention appearances, and the nature of the fan setting where the misconduct occurred.
What this means for him
Probation keeps Busey out of jail if he follows the court’s rules. Violations can trigger more penalties. The court’s no-contact order limits his interactions with the victim. Fines and supervision are part of the consequences. If granted, a transfer to California would move oversight to his home state but would not change the terms.
Impact on conventions and fan events
This case highlights the duty of event promoters to set clear conduct rules and to respond fast when complaints arise. Many conventions already use trained security and posted codes of conduct. Organizers may review photo-op procedures, staff training, and complaint pathways after high profile cases like this.
Quick checklist for event organizers
| Item | What to do |
| Clear conduct policy | Post simple rules at badge pickup and photo-op lines. |
| Staff training | Teach de-escalation and how to take reports. |
| Photo-op setup | Add visible staff and cameras near the backdrop. |
| Reporting channel | Offer text and QR options for fast reporting. |
| Follow-up | Document, preserve evidence, and notify police when needed. |
What happens next
The court record will reflect the plea and the sentence. Busey can file an appeal within the 45-day window noted by 6abc. He can also request to move probation to California. Civil claims linked to the same convention remain a separate track, as covered by People, and can continue regardless of the criminal outcome.
Why it matters
High profile cases shape public norms. Fans want safe spaces at conventions. Clear rules and fair enforcement protect attendees and guests. Coverage from local outlets and national press gives the public a common set of facts with dates and outcomes.
Sources:
- CBS News Philadelphia, “Actor Gary Busey sentenced to probation after admitting to misconduct at N.J. horror movie convention,” https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/gary-busey-monster-mania-cherry-hill-nj-sentencing/ , published 2025-09-19.
- 6abc (WPVI), “Actor Gary Busey sentenced for criminal sexual contact in Cherry Hill, NJ,” https://6abc.com/post/actor-gary-busey-sentenced-criminal-sexual-contact-cherry-hill-new-jersey/17843896/ , published 2025-09-18.
- People, “Gary Busey Sentenced to 2 Years’ Probation for Sex Crime at 2022 Horror Convention,” https://people.com/gary-busey-sentenced-probation-sex-crime-2022-horror-convention-11814259 , published 2025-09-22.
