An arrest warrant has been issued in the US state of New Mexico for Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, following serious child sex abuse allegations. 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 young boy 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 acted and served as a director.
The child stated the first incident happened when he was seven years old, with Busfield allegedly touching him three or four times. A second alleged incident occurred when the boy was eight, involving five or six instances of inappropriate contact. The child's mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse spanned from November 2022 to spring 2024.
Impact on the Child and Industry Response
The complaint, which identifies the child only by his initials, reveals he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following the alleged events. A social worker documented that the boy has suffered nightmares about Busfield touching him and wakes up feeling scared.
The child reportedly feared telling anyone because Busfield was the director and he was worried Busfield would get angry with him. The television show 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 investigation but was unable to corroborate the allegations at the time.
Legal Proceedings and Public Profile
As of late Friday, 9 January 2026, Busfield's attorney and agent had not immediately responded to requests for comment sent via email. Busfield, known for roles in "The West Wing," "Thirtysomething," and the film "Field of Dreams," is married to actor Melissa Gilbert. There was also no immediate response from her publicist.
The issuance of the arrest warrant marks a significant legal development in the case, moving the allegations from private investigation into the realm of formal criminal charges. Authorities in New Mexico are now seeking Busfield's arrest to face these charges in court.
