Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to authorities on Tuesday in New Mexico to respond to child sex abuse allegations. The charges stem from accusations that he inappropriately touched a minor while directing a TV series on set in Albuquerque.
Authorities in Albuquerque issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest on Jan. 9, citing two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. Allegedly, the incidents took place during filming of the series “The Cleaning Lady.”
Known for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething” – which earned him an Emmy in 1991 – Busfield was taken into custody by Albuquerque police, confirmed Gilbert Gallegos, the city police department spokesperson.
During a previous interview with authorities, Busfield denied the allegations. NBC confirmed the shelving of an episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” featuring Busfield. He was set to appear as a judge on the show, which focuses on sex crimes.
According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator from the Albuquerque Police Department, a boy reported that Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing when he was seven, and later, when he was eight. The child’s fear of retaliation from Busfield, who was the director, led to delayed reporting of the incidents.
Busfield, in his interview with authorities, implied that the boys’ mother sought revenge for her children being replaced on the series. He also described the set as a playful environment where he might have engaged in innocent interactions with the children.
Legal representation for Busfield did not respond immediately to requests for comment. In a video obtained by TMZ, Busfield expressed his intent to challenge the allegations upon his arrival in Albuquerque.
The twins’ mother reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, citing incidents from November 2022 to spring 2024. The investigation began in November 2024 following a doctor’s call at the University of New Mexico Hospital, where the boys’ parents sought assistance due to the alleged abuse.
One of the boys was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, citing nightmares related to Busfield’s actions. “The Cleaning Lady,” which aired on Fox for four seasons until 2025, was investigated by Warner Bros., though no corroboration of the abuse claims was found.
