Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor and director, faces charges of sexual contact with a minor and child abuse in New Mexico, stemming from allegations involving two young actors.
Timothy Busfield, renowned for his performances in classics such as *Field of Dreams* and television series like *The West Wing* and *Thirtysomething*, is currently facing serious legal issues in New Mexico. An arrest warrant has been issued for the actor and director due to allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor, as reported by the *New York Post*.
According to court documents obtained by KOAT, the investigation into Busfield began in November 2024. The inquiry was initiated after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted law enforcement about potential abuse.
Police spoke with the parents of two young boys, both of whom are actors on the Fox series *The Cleaning Lady*. The parents expressed concerns that their children had developed a close relationship with Busfield after he joined the show as a director.
The warrant filed by the Albuquerque police in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court on January 4 alleges that Busfield encouraged the children to refer to him as “Uncle Tim.” The affidavit includes a statement from a mother who questioned her children, aged eleven at the time, about whether anyone had ever touched them inappropriately. The children reportedly responded, “You mean like Uncle Tim?”
While the boys did not initially report any instances of sexual contact, they did mention that Busfield would engage in playful behaviors, such as tickling them on their stomachs and legs. At that time, authorities determined that the evidence did not warrant charges.
However, the situation escalated in early October 2025 when one parent contacted Child Protective Services, claiming that her children had disclosed instances of sexual abuse by Busfield between November 2022 and spring 2024. According to the affidavit, one child revealed to a therapist that Busfield had touched his “genitalia” and “bottom” while in a bedroom on the set of *The Cleaning Lady*.
In interviews with police, Busfield acknowledged having “playful” contact with the children but suggested that the allegations were fabricated by the parents as a form of revenge, particularly after their children were not retained for the show’s final season.
Busfield boasts an extensive career, with over 700 combined credits in television and film as an actor, producer, and director. He gained significant recognition in 1991 when he won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Elliot Weston on the critically acclaimed series *Thirtysomething*.
As of Friday afternoon, it remains unclear whether Busfield has been formally booked in connection with these charges. The unfolding situation continues to draw attention, raising serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of child actors in the entertainment industry.
For further details, refer to the report by KOAT.