Timothy Busfield Indicted On Child Sex Charges In New Mexico

Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield, best known for his roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, has been thrust into the center of a highly publicized legal battle after being indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child by a New Mexico grand jury. The charges, announced on February 6, 2026, by the Bernalillo County district attorney’s office, stem from allegations brought by two child actors who worked with Busfield on the set of the Fox drama The Cleaning Lady, which he both directed and produced.

According to BBC, the grand-jury indictment supersedes previous charges announced last month, signaling an escalation in the case’s legal gravity. The indictment alleges that, between October 19, 2022, and September 10, 2023, Busfield “touched or applied force to the intimate parts” of one of the unnamed boys when he was under the age of 13. Each felony count carries a potential penalty of six years in prison, raising the stakes for the 68-year-old actor, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The allegations, outlined in court documents and police affidavits reviewed by multiple outlets including The Guardian and Los Angeles Times, center on Busfield’s conduct during his time working on The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The boys, who are brothers, claimed that inappropriate touching began as early as age seven for one of them and continued for years. One boy alleged that Busfield first touched his private areas multiple times on set when he was seven and again at eight. The other brother also reported inappropriate contact, though he did not provide specifics, telling authorities he delayed coming forward because he “didn’t want to get in trouble.”

The boys referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim” and described incidents where he would tickle them on the stomach and legs. According to the arrest affidavit, one boy said he was scared to speak out because he “feared” that Busfield would “get mad at him.” The parents of the boys alleged that Busfield groomed and sexually abused their children during filming, a claim that has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and the wider public.

Busfield’s legal team has mounted a vigorous defense. His civil attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, issued a statement to BBC and Los Angeles Times, asserting, “The indictment was not unexpected, though it is deeply concerning that the district attorney is choosing to proceed on a case that is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial.” Stein further argued, “This prosecution appears driven by something other than the facts or the law. Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State’s case in open court—where evidence matters—not behind closed doors.”

Busfield himself has been vocal in his denials. In a video statement shared with TMZ and cited by The Guardian, he declared, “They’re all lies. I did not do anything to those little boys, and I’m going to fight it.” He has not yet entered a plea in court as of February 6, 2026.

The actor surrendered to authorities in January 2026 after a warrant was issued for his arrest on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. He was briefly held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque but was released on his own recognizance on January 20, following a court hearing. During the proceedings, Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert—famous for her role in Little House on the Prairie—was visibly emotional, reportedly crying and saying, “Thank you, God” after the judge’s decision to release her husband pending trial. She later addressed the situation on social media, writing, “This season has reminded me, very clearly, how important it is to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and allow ourselves moments of rest. I’ll be easing back into things thoughtfully and with care—moving forward one step at a time.”

Busfield’s defense team has gone on the offensive, submitting more than 70 character reference letters to the court and stating that the actor passed a polygraph test related to the allegations. At the January hearing, criminal defense lawyer Amber Fayerberg argued that Busfield had been “cancelled” by the state and industry, not because he was guilty, but “because of the world we live in.” She insisted, “He is persona non grata, and that’s not because he did anything wrong ... that’s because of the world we live in.” Fayerberg further claimed the allegations were “manufactured,” suggesting the accusations arose as an act of revenge after the children were terminated from the series, which allegedly angered their mother.

Prosecutors, however, remain steadfast. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the priority his office places on protecting children. “As with all criminal proceedings, Mr. Busfield is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. This case will proceed through the judicial process and is expected to move forward to trial,” Bregman stated, adding that the case would be prosecuted by the office’s special victims unit.

Adding to the complexity, Albuquerque prosecutors and police have cited what they describe as a pattern of sexual misconduct involving Busfield, including an allegation of sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl in Sacramento. While details of this additional accusation have not been fully disclosed, its mention in official statements suggests investigators are examining Busfield’s history for potential corroborative evidence.

The case has drawn attention not only for its high-profile defendant but also for the broader issues it raises about child safety in the entertainment industry. The story has sent ripples through Hollywood, where discussions about safeguarding young actors and the responsibilities of those in positions of power have intensified in recent years.

As the legal process unfolds, both sides are preparing for a trial that is likely to draw national attention. The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of the American justice system, a point repeatedly underscored by both the prosecution and the defense. Yet, the gravity of the allegations and the emotional toll on all involved ensure that the proceedings will be closely watched by the public and the media alike.

For those affected by child abuse, resources remain available. In the United States, the Childhelp abuse hotline can be reached at 800-422-4453, offering support and guidance for both victims and concerned adults. Similar services are accessible in the UK, Australia, and globally, underscoring the universal need for vigilance and compassion in the face of such allegations.

The coming months will reveal whether the case against Timothy Busfield stands up to scrutiny in court or falters under the weight of the defense’s challenges. For now, the story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and high stakes involved when allegations of this nature emerge in the public eye.