Actor Timothy Busfield Faces Child Sex Abuse Charges in New Mexico
Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield on charges of child sexual abuse allegedly occurring on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady.'
Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield, charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. The charges stem from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched a child on the set of the television series "The Cleaning Lady," which he both directed and acted in.
According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, the child reported that the first incident occurred when he was 7 years old, with Busfield allegedly touching him three or four times. A subsequent incident reportedly took place when the child was 8, involving five or six instances of inappropriate contact. The child's mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
The complaint indicates that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented that the child has experienced nightmares about the alleged incidents and has woken up scared. The child reportedly refrained from disclosing the incidents earlier due to fear that Busfield, as the director, would become angry.
The investigation commenced in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities. The child's parents had sought medical attention at the hospital following a law firm's recommendation.
"The Cleaning Lady" aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025. The series starred Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who becomes entangled with organized crime. Warner Bros., the producer of the show, conducted its own investigation into the allegations but was unable to corroborate them.
Busfield is known for his roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething," the latter earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991. He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert. As of now, Busfield's attorney and agent have not responded to requests for comment.