Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for director and actor Timothy Busfield on charges of child sex abuse. A criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department alleges that a child reported inappropriate touching by Busfield during the filming of the television series The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield directed and starred in.
According to the complaint, the child, whose identity is protected and referenced only by initials, reported that the first incident occurred when he was seven years old, involving multiple inappropriate touches by Busfield. The child recounted a second incident occurring when he was eight, where he was touched five or six times. The alleged abuse took place between late 2022 and the second half of 2024 and was reported to Child Protective Services by the child’s mother.
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, expressing fear of reporting the incidents due to Busfield’s position as the director.
The investigation began in November 2024, prompted by a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Following the allegations, Warner Bros, the production company behind The Cleaning Lady, conducted an internal investigation but reportedly could not corroborate the claims made against Busfield.
The series aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025. It featured Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor navigating a dangerous world after witnessing a mob killing. Busfield is recognized for his roles in popular productions such as The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, for which he received an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in 1991.
As of late Friday, Busfield’s lawyer and agent had not responded to requests for comment. His spouse, actor Melissa Gilbert, also did not provide an immediate response through her publicist.
For individuals seeking support related to sexual abuse, assistance is available through services such as 1800 RESPECT in Australia, which can be reached at 1800 737 732.
