Actor Timothy Busfield, widely recognized for his memorable roles in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething," is currently facing allegations of child sexual abuse in New Mexico. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Albuquerque Police Department, the alleged abuse took place on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," a FOX TV series that Busfield both directed and starred in.
Here's what we know:
New Mexico authorities issued an arrest warrant for Busfield on Friday, charging him with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. Police documents reveal that a boy reported Busfield's inappropriate touching, first when he was 7 years old and again when he was 8. The child claims that Busfield touched him multiple times between November 2022 and spring 2024.
The child has reportedly been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. He has told a social worker that he has nightmares about Busfield touching him and wakes up scared. The child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone about the abuse because Busfield was the director, and he was scared of retaliation.
The investigation began in November 2024, when an 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, as stated in the complaint.
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 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 his 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.
