Timothy Busfield Appears in Court Over New Sex Abuse Allegation
Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-winning actor, faced a New Mexico court on Wednesday over serious allegations of sexual abuse. He is accused of inappropriate conduct involving two minor child actors during his time as a director on the Fox drama “The Cleaning Lady,” filmed in Albuquerque.
Details of the Allegations
At 68 years old, Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. Prosecutors described a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that they claim extends back to 1994.
- Accusation 1: In 1994, a 17-year-old extra from “Little Big League” alleged sexual assault.
- Accusation 2: Recently, Colin Swift reported that Busfield abused his 16-year-old daughter during an audition at a Sacramento theater.
Involvement with B Street Theatre
Busfield founded B Street Theatre in 1986 as a touring company. Though he has been an emeritus board member, he has not been involved since 2001. The recent allegation reportedly occurred at the theater approximately 25 years ago. B Street Theatre has initiated an internal investigation into the claims.
Prosecution’s Case
In moving for Busfield’s pretrial detention, prosecutors detailed how his alleged actions showcase a calculated exploitation of his authority. They expressed concerns about potential retaliation against witnesses. A representative for Busfield did not respond to requests for comment.
Response from Busfield’s Attorney
His attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, asserted Busfield’s innocence and stated that he is eager to clear his name. The attorney shared that Busfield suggested the mother of one of the victims might be motivated by “revenge” for not casting her children.
Timeline of Events
Busfield surrendered to authorities five days after learning of a warrant for his arrest. Prosecutors allege he traveled from New York to New Mexico to avoid extradition. Following his arrest, he was held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.
- November 2022: Alleged abuse reported to have occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.”
- November 2024: Police began an investigation after allegations were conveyed by a doctor.
- February 2025: Warner Bros. conducted a separate investigation following a complaint to their hotline.
Warner Bros.’ Response
The studio expressed its commitment to addressing misconduct seriously and stated that it has collaborated with law enforcement to provide findings from its investigations, despite prevailing attorney-client privilege. They emphasized their priority on the safety of their cast and crew.
Prior Accusations
This is not the first time Busfield has faced allegations. In March 2012, he was accused of battery by a woman who claimed he assaulted her in a Los Angeles theater. However, prosecutors declined to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence.
Next Steps in Court
A hearing in the 2nd Judicial District Court of Albuquerque is forthcoming. A judge will decide Busfield’s fate regarding pretrial detention within the next five business days. Before his arrest, Busfield released a video denying the allegations, stating his intention to confront the “horrible” lies against him.
As the case develops, it highlights ongoing issues within the entertainment industry surrounding abuse and the importance of addressing accusations diligently.
