Emmy award-winning actor Timothy Busfield has surrendered to law enforcement in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following accusations of child sex offences. The 68-year-old star, best known for his role in The West Wing, has vehemently denied the allegations.
Allegations and Arrest
Busfield turned himself in on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued last week. The charges relate to allegations of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor. The accusations stem from incidents alleged to have occurred in 2022 on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield was directing.
In a video statement to TMZ, Busfield declared his innocence. "I will confront these lies," he said. "I did not do anything to those little boys. They're all lies, and I did not do anything." He described the claims as "horrible lies" and vowed to fight the charges with his legal team.
Wife's Statement and Legal Process
Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has now broken her silence through a representative. The statement, issued to People magazine, clarified that Gilbert is "not making public statements at this time" and warned against fake AI-generated statements circulating online.
"She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds," the representative said. "During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family... Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time."
Busfield is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 pm from the county jail.
Details of the Investigation
According to arrest warrant documents seen by the Daily Mail, an investigation was opened in November 2024 after hospital staff reported concerns about potential grooming on the studio set. The warrant alleges Busfield told two young boys to call him "Uncle Tim" and would tickle them despite their discomfort.
The criminal complaint states that in October 2025, one parent reported to Child Protective Services that her child had disclosed alleged sexual abuse. The child told a therapist Busfield touched his "genitalia" and "bottom" in a bedroom on set. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Busfield reportedly told police he had "playful" contact with the children but denied any wrongdoing. His civil lawyer, Larry Stein, has suggested the allegations are a revenge plot by the boys' mother, allegedly because the children were not invited back to the show.
The warrant also notes that Busfield and Gilbert had a relationship with the alleged victims' families outside of work, including buying Christmas gifts and attending social functions together.
At least one of the children has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following the alleged incidents. Gilbert, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild, has since deleted her Instagram account following the issuance of the arrest warrant.
