Key Takeaways
- An arrest warrant has been issued for director and actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges
- The alleged incidents occurred on the set of the TV series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed and acted in
- The child, who was 7 and 8 years old at the time of the incidents, reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield on multiple occasions
- The investigation began in November 2024, and the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety
- Busfield is known for his appearances in popular TV shows and movies, including "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething"
Introduction to the Allegations
Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for director and Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield to face a child sex abuse charge. The warrant was issued after an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department filed a criminal complaint in support of the charge. The complaint alleges that a child reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield on the set of the TV series "The Cleaning Lady," which Busfield directed and acted in. The child, who was 7 and 8 years old at the time of the incidents, reported being touched by Busfield on multiple occasions.
The Alleged Incidents
The alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, according to the complaint. The child reported that the first incident happened when he was 7 years old, and Busfield touched him three or four times. On another occasion, when the child was 8 years old, Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times. The child’s mother reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, which led to the investigation. The complaint also states that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and has had nightmares about Busfield touching him.
The Investigation
The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The child’s parents had gone to the hospital at the recommendation of a law firm, according to the complaint. The investigator filed a criminal complaint in support of the charge, which says that the child reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield. The complaint also states that the child was afraid to tell anyone about the abuse because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him.
Busfield’s Career and Response
Busfield is known for his appearances in popular TV shows and movies, including "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething." He won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991 for his role in "Thirtysomething." Busfield’s attorney and agent did not immediately respond to email messages seeking comment on the allegations. His wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, also did not respond to an email sent to her publicist. The arrest warrant, which was signed by a judge, says that the charge is for two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
The TV Series and Production Company
The TV series "The Cleaning Lady" aired for four seasons on Fox, ending in 2025. The show was produced by Warner Bros., which conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations but was unable to corroborate them. The show starred Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who comes to the United States to get medical treatment for her son, witnesses a mob killing, and ends up becoming a cleaner for organized crime. The show’s production company, Warner Bros., has not commented on the allegations or the arrest warrant.
Conclusion
The allegations against Timothy Busfield are serious and disturbing. The child’s report of being touched inappropriately by Busfield on multiple occasions is a concerning and traumatic experience. The investigation and arrest warrant are important steps in holding Busfield accountable for his alleged actions. The case highlights the importance of reporting abuse and supporting victims, particularly in cases where the perpetrator is in a position of power or authority. As the case continues to unfold, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of the child and to ensure that justice is served.
