An arrest warrant has been issued for veteran actor and director Timothy Busfield, who faces serious criminal charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a child in New Mexico.
Details of the Allegations and Police Investigation
Busfield, 68, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and an open count of child abuse. According to court records cited by Albuquerque station KOAT, one child informed law enforcement that Busfield touched them inappropriately when they were seven years old.
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place during the production of the Fox crime drama 'The Cleaning Lady', which Busfield was directing in Albuquerque. The inappropriate contact is reported to have started in November 2022 and occurred approximately five or six times.
Albuquerque police initiated their investigation in November 2024 after staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital raised concerns. Hospital personnel told police it appeared children were being groomed on the television show's set.
Context and Career of the Accused
Timothy Busfield is best known for his role as White House correspondent Danny Concannon on the acclaimed political drama 'The West Wing', a part he played from 1999 to 2006. His film credits include 'Field of Dreams' and 'Revenge of the Nerds'.
Born in Lansing, Michigan in June 1957, Busfield studied drama at East Tennessee State University and has an extensive theatre background on Broadway. He has collaborated frequently with writer Aaron Sorkin, beginning with the Broadway production of 'A Few Good Men' in 1990.
Broader Implications and Case Status
Court documents note that two children at the hospital did not accuse Busfield of sexual contact but stated that "Uncle Tim" would tickle them on the stomach and legs, and that they did not like the tickling.
The issuance of an arrest warrant marks a significant escalation in the case, moving the allegations from investigation to active prosecution. The case highlights ongoing safeguarding concerns within the entertainment industry.
Busfield has been married three times, most recently to 'Little House on the Prairie' actor Melissa Gilbert in 2013. The actor has not made a public statement regarding the charges at this time.
