Emmy-Winning Actor Timothy Busfield Faces Child Abuse Charges in New Mexico
Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday. He faces serious child sex abuse charges that have shocked the entertainment industry.
Arrest Warrant and Specific Allegations
Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on January 9th. The warrant includes two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. These charges originate from disturbing incidents reported on the set of the television series "The Cleaning Lady." Busfield was directing the show at the time.
Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department, confirmed that officers booked Busfield on these charges. The legal process is now moving forward.
Detailed Accounts from the Criminal Complaint
A criminal complaint filed by an Albuquerque police investigator provides harrowing details. One twin boy reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately three or four times over his clothing when he was just seven years old. The alleged abuse targeted private areas.
The complaint states the boy endured another five or six similar incidents when he turned eight. The young victim expressed fear of reporting the behavior because Busfield was the director. He worried Busfield would become angry with him.
The boy's twin brother also told authorities that Busfield touched him. He did not specify the exact nature or location of the contact. This brother remained silent because he did not want to get into trouble.
Busfield's Denial and the Investigation Timeline
Busfield strongly denied all allegations during an interview with investigators last fall. He suggested the twins' mother might be seeking revenge. Her children were reportedly replaced on the series.
Busfield admitted he might have picked up and tickled the boys on set. He described the filming environment as playful and fun. His attorney and agent have not responded to requests for comment on the recent arrest.
The boys' mother contacted Child Protective Services. She reported the abuse occurred between November 2022 and the spring of 2024. Authorities identified the twins only by their initials in court documents to protect their privacy.
Medical and Psychological Impact
The investigation formally began in November 2024. A doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque contacted police. The boys' parents visited the hospital on advice from a law firm.
Medical professionals diagnosed one of the boys with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented the child having nightmares about Busfield touching him. These psychological effects highlight the serious nature of the allegations.
Show Background and Busfield's Career
"The Cleaning Lady" aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025. Warner Bros. produced the series. The company conducted its own internal investigation into the abuse claims but could not corroborate them at the time.
Timothy Busfield is married to actor Melissa Gilbert. He is well-known for his roles in popular television shows and films. His credits include "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething." He won an Emmy Award in 1991 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on "Thirtysomething."
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance in Albuquerque.
