Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for actor and director Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in acclaimed television series such as The West Wing and Thirtysomething. The warrant stems from allegations of child sex abuse connected to incidents that reportedly occurred on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady.
A criminal complaint filed by an investigator from the Albuquerque Police Department details accusations made by a child who claims that Busfield engaged in inappropriate touching. According to the complaint, the alleged incidents occurred when the child was seven and eight years old, with the first reported incident involving three to four instances of inappropriate contact. A subsequent incident reportedly involved five to six instances of similar behavior.
The child’s mother informed Child Protective Services that the reported abuse took place between November 2022 and spring 2024. The complaint indicates that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, experiencing nightmares related to the alleged abuse. A social worker documented the child’s fear of reporting the incidents, citing concern about Busfield’s reaction due to his position as the director.
Details of the Allegations and Impact
The arrest warrant, which was signed by a judge, includes two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The child, whose identity has been withheld and is referred to only by initials, was reportedly hesitant to disclose the incidents. He feared potential backlash from Busfield, who held a position of power on the set.
Busfield’s attorney and agent did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations. The actor’s notable career includes significant film and television roles, as well as directing. He was married to Melissa Gilbert, a former star of Little House on the Prairie. There has been no immediate response from Gilbert’s publicist concerning the situation.
The Cleaning Lady, which aired on Fox for four seasons and concluded in 2025, was a drama series featuring Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who finds herself entangled in organized crime after witnessing a mob killing. The show was produced by Warner Bros., which reportedly conducted its own investigation into the allegations but could not substantiate the claims made by the child.
As the situation develops, the legal process will unfold in New Mexico, with serious implications for Busfield’s career and personal life. The severity of the allegations highlights the ongoing challenges faced within the entertainment industry regarding the safety and well-being of young performers.
