Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in popular television series, including The West Wing. The warrant stems from allegations of child sex abuse involving a minor. According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, a child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield directed and acted in.
The allegations detail incidents that reportedly occurred between late 2022 and the second half of 2024. The child disclosed that the first incident took place when he was seven years old, during which Busfield allegedly touched him three or four times. On another occasion, when the child was eight, he claimed that Busfield touched him five or six times. The child’s mother subsequently reported the incidents to Child Protective Services.
The arrest warrant, signed by a judge, specifies two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The complaint reveals that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, fearing repercussions from Busfield due to his position as director. The investigation began in November 2024, following a report from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
The television series The Cleaning Lady aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025. It starred Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who becomes involved with organized crime after witnessing a mob killing. The show was produced by Warner Bros., which reportedly conducted its own investigation into the allegations but found no corroborating evidence.
Busfield, who won an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his role in Thirtysomething, is also known for his performances in Field of Dreams and The West Wing. He is married to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert, though there has been no immediate comment from her publicist regarding the situation.
As the legal process unfolds, the allegations against Busfield have raised significant concerns within the entertainment community. The case underscores the importance of addressing and prioritizing the safety of minors within the industry.
For those seeking support, resources such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) offer assistance for individuals affected by sexual abuse.
