Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday. He faces serious charges of child sex abuse. Busfield immediately declared his innocence. He vowed to fight these allegations vigorously in court.
Busfield Faces Multiple Charges After Arrest Warrant
Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant for Busfield last Friday. The warrant includes two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. It also includes one count of child abuse. The actor voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities to address these charges.
Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department, confirmed the booking. Busfield's first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday. The charges stem from alleged incidents on the set of the television series "The Cleaning Lady." This show filmed in Albuquerque for several seasons.
Detailed Allegations from a Criminal Complaint
A criminal complaint filed by a police investigator outlines specific allegations. The complaint states a young boy reported being touched by Busfield. The alleged incidents occurred when the child was seven and eight years old.
According to the document, the boy claimed Busfield touched him three or four times over his clothing on private areas. This allegedly happened when he was seven. The complaint says another incident occurred when he was eight. Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times on that occasion.
The boy's twin brother also reported being touched by Busfield. He did not specify where the touching occurred. Both children expressed fear about reporting the incidents. They said Busfield was the director and they worried he would get angry.
Busfield and His Attorney Strongly Deny All Claims
Stanton Stein, Busfield's attorney, released a statement on Tuesday. "Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country," Stein said. "He is here to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations. He is innocent and is determined to clear his name."
Busfield himself denied the allegations when interviewed by police last fall. The complaint notes his denial. In a recent video obtained by TMZ, Busfield appeared with the Albuquerque skyline behind him. He said he drove 2,000 miles to face the charges.
"I'm going to confront these lies," Busfield stated in the video. "They're horrible. They're all lies."
Busfield Suggests Motive of Revenge
During the police interview, Busfield suggested a possible motive for the allegations. He claimed the boys' mother might be seeking revenge. He said her children were replaced on the series "The Cleaning Lady." Busfield's attorney echoed this argument on Tuesday.
Busfield also told investigators the set was a playful environment. He said he likely would have picked up and tickled the boys. He insisted any contact was innocent and not abusive.
Warner Bros. Investigation Fails to Corroborate Allegations
Attorney Stanton Stein pointed to a private investigation conducted by Warner Bros. The studio produced "The Cleaning Lady." Stein asserted this investigation supports Busfield's innocence.
Authorities confirmed the Warner Bros. investigation could not corroborate the complaint. A private investigator hired by the studio was unable to find supporting evidence. The investigator could not locate anyone who would confirm Busfield engaged in the alleged behavior.
The criminal complaint states the investigation began in November 2024. A doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque contacted authorities. The boys' parents had gone to the hospital at the recommendation of a law firm.
Impact on Busfield's Career and Personal Life
The charges have already affected Busfield's professional work. NBC shelved an episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" that featured Busfield. The episode was scheduled to air on Thursday. A network spokesperson confirmed this decision to The Associated Press.
Busfield guest-starred as a judge on the long-running series. The show focuses on sex crimes, making the allegations particularly sensitive.
On the personal front, Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has declined to comment publicly. Her publicist, Ame Van Iden, released a statement. "Her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family," the statement read. "Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time."
Legal Process and Ongoing Investigation
The search for Busfield involved the U.S. Marshals Service. Gilbert Gallegos said marshals looked for him in New York and other cities. This search occurred before Busfield appeared in the video and surrendered at a detention center.
Court records identify the twin boys only by their initials. Their mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services. She said it occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
The complaint notes one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented the child saying he has nightmares about Busfield touching him.
"The Cleaning Lady" aired for four seasons on Fox. The series ended in 2025. Warner Bros. conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations during production. According to the complaint, that investigation was unable to corroborate the claims.
Timothy Busfield now awaits his day in court. He maintains his complete innocence against all charges.
