Actor Timothy Busfield Testifies to Grand Jury on Child Contact Charges

Timothy Busfield, a 69-year-old Emmy-winning actor and director, testified before a grand jury in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after being charged with four counts of criminal sexual contact with children under 13. The charges relate to twin boys who appeared on the series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield produced and directed from 2022 to 2025.

During more than two hours of testimony, Busfield repeatedly asserted his innocence, stating, "> I didn’t do this. I have never, ever been inappropriate."

He told jurors that any physical contact with the twins was limited to affectionate gestures such as hugs or tickles requested by the children’s father, and that he was never alone with the minors on set. Busfield said, "> The dad would say, ‘Go hug Uncle Tim,’ so I would touch them then. I never initiated that."

Busfield also claimed he has never been attracted to pre-pubescent boys, emphasizing his lifelong attraction to adult women. He said he could provide audio recordings in which the twins indicated they were not inappropriately touched, and noted that a lie-detector test he took was deemed inadmissible by prosecutors.

The investigation began in November 2024 after a University of New Mexico Hospital staff member reported concerns following a medical visit by the twins’ mother. Hospital staff found no evidence of abuse. Busfield was arrested in January, released without bail, and formally indicted in February. He is scheduled to stand trial on May 10, 2027.

Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has publicly supported him throughout the proceedings.