Timothy Busfield Surrenders Amid Child Sex Abuse Allegations in New Mexico

Timothy Busfield has surrendered to police in New Mexico following serious allegations of child sex abuse. The Emmy Award-winning director and actor turned himself in on a Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued against him. According to the Albuquerque Police Department, Busfield was taken into custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County.

Details of the Allegations Against Timothy Busfield

The arrest warrant, which was authorized by a judge, included two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. A complaint filed by an investigator on Friday alleged that a child accused Busfield of inappropriate touching. Notably, these incidents reportedly took place on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a television series where Busfield both directed and acted.

Child’s Testimony and Family Concerns

• The initial report indicated that the alleged victim was seven years old during the first instance of abuse.
• He stated Busfield touched him inappropriately on three or four occasions over his clothing.
• On a subsequent occasion, when the boy was eight, the alleged inappropriate touching happened five or six times.
• The child’s twin brother also reported similar incidents but was hesitant to provide details due to fear of repercussions.

The boys’ mother notified Child Protective Services about the alleged abuse that she claimed occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. During the investigation, Busfield suggested that the twins’ mother might be seeking revenge due to her children being replaced in the series.

Busfield’s Response to the Allegations

In a video posted to TMZ, Busfield denied the allegations, claiming, “They are all lies.” The 68-year-old actor insisted he “did not do anything” to the boys in question. He stated he had traveled 2,000 miles to be in Albuquerque, where he surrendered.

Busfield’s attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, echoed his client’s claims of innocence. The attorney described the allegations as “completely false” and emphasized Busfield’s determination to clear his name.

Background and Family of Timothy Busfield

In addition to his role as a director on “The Cleaning Lady,” Busfield has starred in notable projects such as “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething.” He won an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his role in “Thirtysomething” in 1991.

Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who has deactivated her Instagram account amidst the scandal. A publicist for Gilbert stated that she is focusing on family support and will address the public at an appropriate time as the legal process unfolds.

Investigation Timeline and Additional Findings

The investigation began in November 2024 after the boys’ parents sought help at the University of New Mexico Hospital. A doctor there reported the allegations to authorities. The complaint mentions one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, accompanied by nightmares regarding the experiences with Busfield.

Warner Bros., the producer of “The Cleaning Lady,” conducted its own investigation into the allegations but reportedly found no corroborating evidence.

The ongoing legal issues surrounding Timothy Busfield highlight the serious nature of the allegations and raise concerns about child safety on production sets.