Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield is set to appear before a court in New Mexico for an initial hearing on serious child sex abuse charges. The actor, known for roles in 'The West Wing' and 'Field of Dreams', turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, and faces his first court appearance the following day.
Details of the Allegations and Arrest
Albuquerque police secured an arrest warrant for Busfield last week, charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The criminal complaint states the alleged incidents took place on the set of the television series 'The Cleaning Lady', which was filming in Albuquerque.
The complaint details that one child, then aged seven, reported Busfield touched him multiple times on private areas over his clothing. A further alleged incident occurred when the child was eight. The boy's twin brother also told authorities he was touched by Busfield, though he did not specify where.
The mother of the twins reported the alleged abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. The complaint notes the children were reportedly afraid to speak out because Busfield was the director and they feared his anger.
Prosecution Seeks Detention and Alleges Pattern of Behaviour
Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to keep Busfield in custody pending trial, arguing he is a flight risk and a danger to the community. Their filing, submitted early on Wednesday, 14 January, describes a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behaviour by Busfield over two decades.
The motion contends that individuals with 'authority, status or influence' are uniquely positioned to evade safeguards designed to protect children. It states: 'In light of the defendant’s demonstrated disregard for boundaries, authority and compliance, no condition or combination of conditions of release can reasonably protect the victims or the community.'
Prosecutors also criticised Busfield for releasing a video statement to media outlet TMZ on Tuesday, accusing him of prioritising 'personal narrative control and public relations' over the court process.
Defence Denies Charges and Points to Motive
Busfield has vehemently denied all allegations. In a video shared before his surrender, he called the claims 'lies'. His attorney echoed this defence on Tuesday, suggesting the boys' mother was seeking revenge because her children were replaced on the series.
Busfield previously told police in an interview last autumn that the allegations were false and motivated by this resentment. His lawyer also cited an independent investigation by Warner Bros. which they claim was unable to corroborate the allegations, though prosecutors counter that the investigator failed to speak to key witnesses.
The case began when a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque contacted authorities in November 2024. The children's parents had gone to the hospital at a law firm's recommendation.
A judge will now decide on the prosecution's detention request. A detention hearing has not yet been scheduled. Busfield is married to actor Melissa Gilbert.
