Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sex Abuse Charges in New Mexico
Timothy Busfield, the 68-year-old actor renowned for his role in Field of Dreams, has been indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico on four felony charges related to alleged sexual contact with minors. The indictment, announced on Friday, February 6, 2026, by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention.
Details of the Indictment and Charges
Busfield faces four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, all classified as third-degree felonies. Court documents indicate the allegations involve 11-year-old twin boys, with incidents reportedly occurring over several years. The case stems from an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department on January 9, 2026, leading to Busfield turning himself in on January 13.
Following his arrest, prosecutors sought to detain Busfield until trial, but a judge denied the request after a hearing on January 20. He was released under strict conditions, including no contact with the alleged victims or their families, and supervision by Pretrial Services in New Mexico.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
District Attorney Bregman emphasized the presumption of innocence, stating, "As with all criminal proceedings, Mr. Busfield is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law." He added that the case will proceed to trial, handled by the Special Victims Unit, underscoring his office's commitment to protecting children.
In response, Busfield's civil attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, criticized the indictment, calling it "not unexpected" and arguing the case is "fundamentally unsound." Stein claimed weaknesses in the state's evidence and vowed to fight the charges vigorously. Busfield himself has publicly denied the allegations, asserting in a video, "I did not do anything. They're all lies... I'm gonna be exonerated."
Background and Additional Allegations
The arrest warrant details that the alleged misconduct began when one of the boys was seven years old. The families reportedly met Busfield on the set of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield worked as a director and the boys appeared as child actors. The show aired from January 2022 to June 2025.
Further, the case references prior sexual assault allegations against Busfield from 1994 and a more recent claim from a man in Sacramento, California, involving his daughter. Busfield's attorney dismissed these as unproven and outdated, noting they are over 25 years old.
Personal and Family Impact
Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, attended the detention hearing and was seen emotional upon his release. A representative for Gilbert released a statement affirming her support for her husband and requesting privacy for their family. The case continues to unfold as legal teams prepare for trial, with Busfield required to adhere to all court-mandated conditions while maintaining his innocence.
