Timothy Busfield Hit with New Abuse Allegation; DA Criticizes Warner Bros Investigation
A new allegation of sexual abuse has surfaced against Timothy Busfield. The once-celebrated actor is set to appear in a New Mexico court for the first time on multiple child sexual abuse charges. He is facing significant scrutiny as Albuquerque law enforcement has criticized Warner Bros. for its limited cooperation during the misconduct investigation related to the set of *The Cleaning Lady*.
Charges and Court Appearance
Busfield, who has denied the allegations, surrendered to police after traveling from his home in upstate New York. On January 9, a detailed arrest warrant was issued, charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. The felonies are linked to incidents that took place during his time working on *The Cleaning Lady*.
Investigation and Additional Allegations
District Attorney Sam Bergman filed a motion for pretrial detention, arguing that Busfield poses an ongoing danger to children and the community. The motion highlighted a newly reported allegation from the father of another potential victim, Colin Swift. Reports indicate that the alleged abuse occurred several years ago in Sacramento, California, involving a 16-year-old girl during an audition at B Street Theatre. The girl accused Busfield of inappropriate touching.
Previous Accusations
Busfield’s history includes previous sexual assault allegations from 1994 and 2012, involving a minor and an adult woman. Though he faced no charges in those cases, he did settle one claim for $150,000 in legal fees related to the earlier allegation.
Misconduct Investigation Critique
Prosecutors have taken aim at Warner Bros. concerning their internal investigation into the allegations. They criticized the studio for failing to interview key witnesses, including the victims and their families. The statement from the DA’s office pointed out the historical context of how individuals in power can silence victims, allowing misconduct to continue.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Busfield is expected to appear via video at a felony hearing today, where he is likely to plead not guilty. The case has garnered significant media attention, reinforcing the serious nature of the allegations and the growing discourse about abuse in the entertainment industry.
Warner Bros. Response
Warner Bros. issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to investigating misconduct allegations seriously. Although they acknowledged the charges against Busfield, the studio had no comment on the specific criticisms outlined in the recent legal filings.
This unfolding situation highlights the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice, particularly within powerful institutions. As the legal proceedings progress, scrutiny on both Busfield and Warner Bros. will likely intensify.
