Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sex Offense Charges in New Mexico
Actor Timothy Busfield, renowned for his roles in popular U.S. television series such as The West Wing and Thirtysomething, has been formally indicted on child sex offense charges. The indictment, returned by a grand jury in New Mexico, alleges inappropriate contact with a minor on the set of a television show he was directing and producing.
Details of the Indictment and Allegations
The four-count indictment, which supersedes an earlier criminal complaint, accuses Busfield of criminal sexual contact with a child, classified as a third-degree felony under New Mexico law. The charges stem from allegations involving one of two twin boys, now 11 years old, who were cast members on the Fox television drama The Cleaning Lady. Prosecutors claim the incidents occurred over a two-year period when the boys were aged 7 and 8, during breaks in production in Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city.
According to an affidavit filed with the original complaint, one boy reported multiple instances where Busfield touched his "private areas" over his clothes, while his brother also reported being touched but provided fewer details. The indictment focuses solely on allegations related to one brother and does not include a general child abuse charge that was part of the initial complaint.
Busfield's Response and Legal Proceedings
Busfield, 68, has consistently denied all allegations, labeling them as "lies." In a videotaped statement released prior to his arrest, he asserted, "I did not do anything to those little boys." His defense attorney, Christopher Dodd, has characterized the boys' parents as "scam artists" seeking "revenge" after their sons were replaced on the show. Dodd also claimed that both boys initially denied being sexually abused when first questioned by law enforcement.
The actor surrendered to authorities last month in Albuquerque and was released from pretrial detention after a state court judge described the evidence as "neutral." An arraignment is scheduled for February 16, during which Busfield is expected to enter a plea.
Background and Career
Timothy Busfield is best known for his portrayal of a White House reporter on NBC's The West Wing from 1999 to 2006 and as an advertising executive on ABC's 1980s drama Thirtysomething. He also appeared in the 1989 film Field of Dreams. In addition to his acting career, Busfield served as an executive producer and director for The Cleaning Lady, beginning his directing role toward the end of the show's second season in 2022.
Busfield is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild. The case has drawn significant attention due to his high-profile status in the entertainment industry and the serious nature of the charges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment community and public await further developments in this case, which highlights ongoing concerns about child safety on television and film sets.
