'West Wing' actor Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse
FILE - Actor Timothy Busfield visits the Build Series to discuss the ABC drama series "For Life" at Build Studio on February 11, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Actor Timothy Busfield, best known for his roles on "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething," is facing child sex abuse charges in New Mexico.
According to a criminal complaint from the Albuquerque Police Department, the abuse allegedly happened on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," a FOX TV series Busfield directed and acted in.
What is he charged with?
What we know:
New Mexico authorities issued an arrest warrant Friday for Busfield on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Police documents say a boy reported Busfield touching him inappropriately, first when he was 7 years old and again when he was 8. The child said Busfield touched him multiple times between November 2022 and spring 2024.
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The child has reportedly been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. The child told a social worker that he has nightmares about Busfield touching him and wakes up scared.
The child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he was scared.
The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The child’s parents had gone there at the recommendation of a law firm, the complaint said.
What we don't know:
It’s unclear if Busfield has turned himself in or is planning to do so. Busfield’s attorney and agent did not immediately respond to email messages from The Associated Press.
Timothy Busfield’s career
The backstory:
"The Cleaning Lady" aired for four seasons on Fox, ending in 2025. It starred Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who comes to the United States to get medical treatment for her son, then witnesses a mob killing and ends up becoming a cleaner for organized crime.
Warner Bros., which produced the show, reportedly conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations but was unable to corroborate them.
Busfield is known for appearances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething," the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991.
He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert.
The Source: This report includes information from The Associated Press.