Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield surrendered to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Tuesday to face serious criminal charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor. The arrest follows a warrant issued last Friday.
Details of the Allegations and Arrest
Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges originate from accusations that he inappropriately touched a young boy on the set of the Fox television series "The Cleaning Lady," which he was directing.
A criminal complaint filed by the Albuquerque Police Department states the alleged victim reported being touched three to four times over his clothing by Busfield when he was seven years old. The complaint further alleges another incident involving five to six touches when the boy was eight. The child's twin brother also reported being touched by Busfield, though he did not specify where.
According to the document, the boys were afraid to report the incidents because Busfield was the director, and they feared he would get angry. The mother of the twins reported the alleged abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Busfield's Denial and the Investigation
When interviewed by investigators last fall, Busfield categorically denied all allegations. He suggested the boys' mother was motivated by revenge after her children were replaced on the series. Busfield stated he may have picked up and tickled the children, describing the set as a playful environment.
The police investigation began in November 2024 after an investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The complaint notes that one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, with a social worker documenting nightmares about Busfield.
Warner Bros., the producer of "The Cleaning Lady," conducted its own internal investigation but was unable to corroborate the allegations. The show aired for four seasons, ending in 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Public Statement
Busfield was booked by the Albuquerque Police Department on Tuesday. His attorney did not immediately return a request for comment. In a video obtained by TMZ, with the Albuquerque skyline behind him, Busfield declared the accusations to be false.
"I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies," Busfield said, adding he had driven 2,000 miles to turn himself in.
Busfield, married to actor Melissa Gilbert, is known for roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and the series "Thirtysomething," for which he won an Emmy in 1991.
