An arrest warrant has been issued in New Mexico for Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, following serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The warrant, signed by a judge on Friday, 9 January 2026, charges Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Details of the Allegations
According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, a child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately on multiple occasions. The alleged acts are said to have taken place on the set of the television series "The Cleaning Lady," in which Busfield both directed and acted.
The complaint states the first incident allegedly occurred when the child was seven years old, with Busfield reportedly touching him inappropriately three or four times. A second alleged incident took place when the child was eight, involving five or six instances of inappropriate contact. The child's mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Impact on the Child and Investigation
The child, identified only by initials in the legal documents, has reportedly been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following the alleged events. A social worker documented the child saying he has suffered nightmares about Busfield touching him and has woken up feeling scared.
"The child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him," the complaint noted. The television series at the centre of the allegations, "The Cleaning Lady," aired for four seasons on Fox, concluding in 2025. It was produced by Warner Bros., which the complaint states conducted its own internal investigation but was unable to corroborate the allegations at the time.
Legal Response and Career Context
As of late Friday, 9 January 2026, Busfield's attorney and agent had not responded to requests for comment sent via email. The arrest warrant remains active, and the case is proceeding through the New Mexico legal system.
Busfield is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, recognised for his roles in popular series such as "The West Wing" and "Thirtysomething," as well as the film "Field of Dreams." He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert; an email sent to her publicist also did not receive an immediate response.
