An Emmy Award-winning actor from the acclaimed political drama The West Wing has been charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse, with authorities in the United States releasing his custodial image.
Arrest and Charges Against Veteran Actor
Timothy Busfield, 68, turned himself in to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The actor, famed for his role as White House correspondent Danny Concannon, faces serious allegations stemming from his time working on the television series The Cleaning Lady.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on Friday, 9 January, on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The criminal complaint alleges the incidents occurred on the set of the show, which was filmed in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Disturbing Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two young boys. One child alleged that Busfield, whom he called "Uncle Tim," touched him three times over his clothes when he was seven years old, and a further five or six times when he was eight.
The complaint states the boy did not report the alleged abuse at the time because he feared Busfield would become angry. A second boy claimed he was touched inappropriately by the actor over a two-year period while on set.
One specific incident detailed alleges that Busfield kissed a child on the face while the boy was getting a haircut in a hair and makeup trailer. The mother of the children reported the allegations to social services in October 2025.
Investigation and Actor's Response
Police in Albuquerque have released Busfield's mugshot as their investigation continues. When processed at the police station, Busfield was recorded on video stating, "I did not do anything to those little boys."
However, reports indicate he told police it was "highly likely" he had some form of "physical contact" with the children, adding, "I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me."
The impact on the alleged victims has been severe. The criminal complaint notes that one boy has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, suffering from nightmares about the actor.
Busfield, a father of three with a career spanning over four decades including roles in Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething, continues to deny all allegations against him.
