Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in acclaimed shows such as The West Wing and Thirtysomething. He faces charges of child sex abuse following a report from a minor who alleged inappropriate touching by Busfield on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady.
The complaint, filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, details incidents that reportedly occurred between late 2022 and the second half of 2024. The child, who is identified only by initials, claims that Busfield touched him inappropriately multiple times, first when he was seven years old and again when he was eight. The child’s mother contacted Child Protective Services after learning of the allegations.
According to the complaint, the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, which he developed as a result of the alleged abuse. The fear of Busfield’s authority as the director reportedly contributed to the child’s reluctance to disclose the incidents sooner.
The investigation began in November 2024, initiated after a doctor from the University of New Mexico Hospital made a report regarding the allegations. The arrest warrant, signed by a judge, specifies two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
Busfield, who has won an Emmy Award for his performance in Thirtysomething, has not yet publicly commented on the charges. His lawyer and agent did not respond to inquiries made late on Friday.
The television series The Cleaning Lady, which aired for four seasons on Fox before concluding in 2025, follows a Cambodian doctor who, after witnessing a mob killing, becomes involved in organized crime to support her family. The show was produced by Warner Bros, which reportedly conducted its own investigation into the allegations but was unable to substantiate the claims.
Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who has also not made a public statement regarding the situation.
As the case develops, it underscores the broader issues of child safety within the entertainment industry and the critical importance of reporting and addressing allegations of abuse.
For those in need of support, resources are available through national services such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for sexual abuse and redress support.
