Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning director and actor, in connection with child sex abuse charges. The warrant was signed on a Friday after a criminal complaint was filed by an investigator from the Albuquerque Police Department. The complaint details allegations made by a child who reported that Busfield had touched him inappropriately on multiple occasions.
The allegations suggest that the inappropriate interactions took place on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," a television series that Busfield directed and acted in. According to the child, the first incident occurred when he was just 7 years old, during which Busfield allegedly touched him three or four times. A subsequent incident reportedly took place when the child was 8, during which Busfield is accused of touching him five or six times.
The child's mother brought the allegations to the attention of Child Protective Services, stating that the incidents of abuse occurred between November 2022 and the spring of 2024. The criminal complaint indicates that the child is identified only by his initials and has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. A social worker documented that the child has experienced nightmares related to Busfield's actions and has frequently woken up scared as a result.
It is noted in the complaint that the child was hesitant to disclose the incidents, fearing that Busfield would react negatively due to his authority as the director. The investigation into these allegations commenced in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted authorities to the situation. The child's parents had visited the hospital upon the recommendation of a law firm, which prompted the police investigation.
"The Cleaning Lady," a series that aired on Fox for four seasons, concluded in 2025 and featured Elodie Yung in the lead role as a Cambodian doctor who relocates to the United States seeking medical treatment for her son. The storyline takes a dark turn as she witnesses a mob murder and subsequently becomes involved with organized crime. The series was produced by Warner Bros., who reportedly conducted their own internal investigation into the allegations but were unable to find corroborating evidence to support the claims.
Timothy Busfield is widely recognized for his roles in various popular television series and films, including notable performances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams," and "Thirtysomething." His performance in "Thirtysomething" earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991. Currently, he is married to actress Melissa Gilbert; however, there has been no immediate response from her publicist regarding the situation.
The legal implications of the arrest warrant underscore the gravity of the allegations against Busfield. As the case develops, it will likely attract further scrutiny and public interest, particularly given Busfield's established career in the entertainment industry. The outcome of the legal proceedings will be closely monitored by both the media and the public alike.
