Actor Timothy Busfield in court via video from New Mexico jail on child sex abuse chargesPhoto by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Actor Timothy Busfield, best known for roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico this week. He faces charges of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse tied to alleged incidents on the set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque. The 68-year-old director appeared in court remotely from jail, where a judge ordered him held without bond ahead of a detention hearing.

Background

Busfield has a long career in film and television. He won an Emmy for his work on Thirtysomething in the late 1980s and later appeared in shows like The West Wing. He also directed episodes of various series, including The Cleaning Lady, which filmed in Albuquerque. Busfield co-founded B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, with his brother in the 1980s. The theater focused on family-friendly productions and youth programs.

The current case stems from reports involving two young boys who worked as child actors on the set. Their mother contacted authorities after a hospital visit in November 2024. Police investigated and issued an arrest warrant last week. Busfield, who is married to actress Melissa Gilbert from Little House on the Prairie, surrendered on Monday with help from U.S. Marshals. He made a short video statement before turning himself in, denying any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors have pointed to a broader pattern in their push to keep him in jail. They describe years of alleged misconduct, including abuse of power and grooming. This includes incidents from his time running the Sacramento theater. Busfield has not been active in the theater's daily operations since 2001, according to a statement from the organization.

Key Details

The main charges involve two boys, twins, who say Busfield touched them inappropriately. One boy reported that it happened when he was 7 years old. He said Busfield touched private areas over his clothing multiple times. The boy was scared to speak up because Busfield was the director and might get angry. The twin brother also told police he was touched but gave fewer details. He stayed quiet to avoid trouble.

New Mexico Set Incidents

The alleged abuse took place between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the Albuquerque set. The boys' mother reported it to Child Protective Services. An investigation started after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital got involved. The family had been advised by a law firm to seek help there. Police interviewed Busfield last fall. He denied everything and suggested the mother wanted revenge because her sons were removed from the show.

His lawyer says Busfield took and passed an independent polygraph test. They also note that Warner Bros., the studio behind The Cleaning Lady, did its own review and found no proof of misconduct. Prosecutors counter that the studio investigator missed talking to important witnesses, like the boys.

California Theater Allegation

On the same day Busfield turned himself in, a new claim came forward. A father in Sacramento says Busfield kissed and touched his 16-year-old daughter years ago during an audition at B Street Theatre. The father, a therapist, said Busfield begged the family not to go to police if he got therapy. They agreed at the time. Prosecutors call this part of a pattern where Busfield used his position to cross lines.

"Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains they are completely false," said his attorney Larry Stein.

In court filings, Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch told the judge about witness fears of retaliation. She said people worry about professional harm from speaking out. The motion argues no release conditions can protect the community given Busfield's history.

Busfield appeared in court wearing orange jail clothes. He stayed silent as his lawyer spoke. A detention hearing is set for next Tuesday to decide if he stays locked up.

What This Means

The case has drawn attention to how people in charge on sets and in theaters interact with young performers. Prosecutors stress that those with authority can avoid accountability. Witnesses in this probe express concern over career risks if they come forward. The B Street Theatre statement notes Busfield is listed as an unpaid board member but has not attended meetings or taken part in decisions for years.

Melissa Gilbert's publicist said she is not commenting publicly now. Friends of the couple have reportedly pulled away, though details remain private. The theater organization repeated that Busfield has no current role in operations, staff, leadership, or programs.

Legal experts say the polygraph and studio review may help the defense, but child testimony often carries weight. The pattern of claims over decades strengthens the prosecution's no-bond push. If released, conditions could include no contact with minors and electronic monitoring. Busfield plans to fight the charges fully.

Albuquerque police worked quickly after the warrant. The case timeline shows the investigation built from the hospital report to arrests within months. More details may emerge at the hearing. For now, Busfield remains in custody as the legal process moves forward.

Author

  • Tyler Brennan

    Tyler Brennan is a breaking news reporter for The News Gallery, delivering fast, accurate coverage of developing stories across the country. He focuses on real time reporting, on scene updates, and emerging national events. Brennan is recognized for his sharp instincts and clear, concise reporting under pressure.