Timothy Busfield Released Pending Trial on Child Sex Abuse Charges
Actor Timothy Busfield has been released under supervision pending trial on charges of child sexual abuse, following allegations involving minors on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady.'
Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been released from custody under supervision pending trial on charges of child sexual abuse. The 68-year-old actor, known for his roles in "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams," is accused of inappropriately touching minors while directing the TV series "The Cleaning Lady" in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Busfield turned himself in to authorities on January 13, 2026, after an arrest warrant was issued on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations involve twin boys who reported that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the set of the series. One of the children alleged that Busfield touched him multiple times over his clothing in private areas when he was 7 and 8 years old.
During a detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Busfield posed "an ongoing and serious danger to children and the community," citing a pattern of "sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior." They also referenced a new allegation from a 16-year-old girl who reported that Busfield kissed her and touched her inappropriately during an audition at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, several years ago.
Busfield's attorneys contended that the accusations were motivated by the children's mother seeking revenge after her sons were replaced on the show. They noted that Busfield passed an independent polygraph test and that a Warner Bros. investigation did not corroborate the allegations.
The judge granted Busfield's release under the condition of supervision by a pretrial service in Albuquerque, allowing him to return home out of state. Busfield has denied the allegations, stating, "I did not do anything to those little boys."