Authorities in New Mexico have taken legal action against Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield. An arrest warrant was issued on Friday, charging him with child sex abuse.
Details of the Criminal Complaint
An investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department filed a criminal complaint supporting the charge. The document states that a child reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield. The alleged acts are said to have occurred on the set of the Fox television series "The Cleaning Lady," where Busfield worked as a director and actor.
The complaint outlines that the first incident allegedly happened when the child was seven years old, with Busfield touching him three or four times. A second alleged occasion took place when the child was eight, 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 the spring of 2024.
Impact on the Child and Investigation
The complaint, which identifies the child only by his initials, reveals significant emotional trauma. The child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented the child's statements about having nightmares where Busfield touches him, waking up scared.
The child reportedly feared telling anyone because Busfield was the director, and he was afraid Busfield would get angry at him. The arrest warrant, signed by a judge, specifies the charge as two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
According to the complaint, Warner Bros., the producer of "The Cleaning Lady," conducted its own investigation into the allegations but was unable to corroborate them. The show aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025.
Response and Background
As of late Friday, Busfield's attorney and agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An email sent to the publicist for his wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, also did not receive an immediate response.
Timothy Busfield is known for his roles in popular series and films such as "The West Wing," "Thirtysomething," and "Field of Dreams." The case continues to develop as authorities proceed with the arrest warrant.
