Timothy Busfield Charged with Four Counts of Child Sexual Contact in New Mexico

A New Mexico grand jury has indicted actor Timothy Busfield on four counts of child sexual contact. The indictment was announced by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office on Friday. The case will be prosecuted by the Special Victims Unit.

Details of the Indictment

The indictment arises from allegations made by a child who reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.” This alleged misconduct occurred during late 2022 when the child was seven or eight years old. It was reported after the child’s mother sought medical advice regarding the situation.

A police investigation ensued following a complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department. According to the child’s statements, he was intimidated by Busfield and feared retaliation for reporting the abuse.

Additional Allegations

In a separate incident, another allegation surfaced regarding Busfield. A father reported that his then-16-year-old daughter was kissed and inappropriately touched by Busfield during an audition at a California theater, which he co-founded. This incident allegedly took place several years prior to the current charges.

Busfield’s Defense

Timothy Busfield’s attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, has stated that the actor intends to contest the charges vigorously. Stein criticized the prosecution, arguing that it is based on evidence that is fundamentally flawed and lacks credibility.

• Busfield was arrested on January 13, 2026.
• He turned himself in at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County.
• He was initially held without bond but was released later that month.

Busfield has denied the accusations in a video statement. He insists that the mother of the children is motivated by personal grievances stemming from her children being replaced on the show.

Impact on Career

Timothy Busfield is known for his roles in popular series such as “The West Wing,” “Thirtysomething,” and “Field of Dreams.” He won an Emmy Award in 1991 for his performance in “Thirtysomething.”

His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has not commented publicly on the situation, choosing to deactivate her Instagram account instead. She is awaiting the legal proceedings’ outcome.

The legal process is expected to unfold in the coming months, with the District Attorney’s office continuing to pursue the case. Further details about the charges against Busfield have yet to be disclosed.