Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse warrant
The Essentials
- New Mexico authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
- Abuse allegations stem from the set of the television series “The Cleaning Lady,” where a child actor reported inappropriate touching occurring between 2022 and 2024.
- Warner Bros. previously conducted an internal investigation into the matter but was unable to corroborate the claims at that time.
Timothy Busfield is the subject of a criminal complaint filed by the Albuquerque Police Department after a child actor came forward with allegations of sexual abuse. The arrest warrant, signed by a judge on Friday, marks a stunning legal turn for the industry veteran known for high-profile roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething”. According to the filed complaint, the alleged acts occurred while Busfield was serving as both a director and actor on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady”.
Timothy Busfield warrant details and criminal charges
The criminal complaint describes a harrowing series of events reported by a minor identified only by his initials. The child alleged that the first instance of abuse occurred when he was just 7 years old, with Timothy Busfield touching him inappropriately on multiple occasions. Further incidents reportedly took place when the child was 8 years old.
The investigation gained significant traction in November 2024 when a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities. The child’s mother had previously reported the timeline of the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, spanning from November 2022 through the spring of 2024.
“The child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director, and he feared he would get mad at him,” investigators noted in the official complaint. Medical documentation included in the filing indicates the child has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe anxiety, frequently suffering from nightmares related to the alleged encounters.
Warner Bros internal investigation and studio response
Before the police became involved, Warner Bros.—the production company behind “The Cleaning Lady”—was made aware of the allegations. The studio launched its own internal probe into the matter. However, the complaint reveals that the studio was unable to find corroborating evidence during its private review.
The show, which concluded its four-season run on Fox in 2025, served as a primary workplace for both the accuser and the accused during the timeframe specified in the warrant. As of Friday night, representatives for Busfield, including his attorney and agent, had not issued a formal statement regarding the New Mexico warrant.
Industry impact of the Timothy Busfield allegations
This legal development has sent shockwaves through the Hollywood community given the actor’s extensive resume. Busfield is a respected figure in the industry, having won an Emmy in 1991 for his work on “Thirtysomething” and maintaining a steady presence in beloved projects like “Field of Dreams”.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety on television sets, even in a post-reform era. Busfield is currently married to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert, whose publicist has also not yet responded to requests for comment.
The legal road ahead for Timothy Busfield
With the warrant officially active, the next steps involve the formal arrest and arraignment of the director. Legal experts suggest that the clinical evidence provided by the University of New Mexico Hospital social workers will be a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case.
The two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor are serious felonies in the state of New Mexico. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the legal process moves into the discovery phase.
People Also Ask
What are the specific charges against Timothy Busfield? He is facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor following an investigation in New Mexico.
Where did the alleged abuse occur? The acts allegedly took place on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What was the result of the Warner Bros investigation? The production company conducted an internal review but stated they were unable to corroborate the allegations at the time.
When did the investigation into Timothy Busfield begin? Official police involvement began in November 2024 after a referral from a hospital doctor.
Has Melissa Gilbert commented on the warrant? As of the latest reports, there has been no immediate response from her publicist or official channels.
Authoritative Sources
- Albuquerque Police Department Official Filings: https://www.cabq.gov/police/contact-the-police/public-records-request
- University of New Mexico Hospital Clinical Records: https://unmhealth.org/locations/unm-hospital.html
- New Mexico Judiciary Warrant Database: https://caselookup.nmcourts.gov/caselookup/
