Why is ‘West Wing’ star Timothy Busfield facing an arrest warrant? Inside the child sex abuse allegations shaking hollywood
Timothy Busfield in ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ season 4 episode 1. Image Credit: FOX
Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield, best known for his roles on The West Wing, thirtysomething, and Field of Dreams, is facing serious legal trouble after Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant accusing him of child sexual abuse and criminal sexual contact of a minor.
According to court documents obtained by KOAT, Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, stemming from alleged incidents involving two underage boys who worked as child actors on the FOX television series The Cleaning Lady.
What Authorities Are Alleging Against Timothy Busfield
The arrest warrant, issued by the Albuquerque Police Department, alleges that Busfield engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with two siblings, both of whom were 11 years old at the time of disclosure. One of the children reportedly told investigators that the alleged abuse began when he was as young as seven.
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between November 2022 and Spring 2024, during Busfield’s tenure as a director and executive producer on The Cleaning Lady, which aired from January 2022 to June 2025.
Authorities say the children met Busfield on set and that he gradually developed a close relationship with the family.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation began on November 1, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) alerted police to potential sexual abuse.
According to the warrant, the parents told officers that their sons were child actors on the show and that Busfield allegedly encouraged the children to call him “Uncle Tim.”
Initially, the children disclosed that Busfield would tickle them on their stomachs and legs, but did not immediately report sexual contact. At that time, authorities determined the allegations did not meet the threshold for charges.
New Disclosures and Escalation of the Case
The case escalated in October 2025, when the children’s mother filed a police report stating that both boys disclosed sexual abuse by Busfield.
One child reportedly told a therapist that Busfield touched his genitalia and buttocks while the child was lying on a bed on the television set. The therapist later diagnosed the child with moderate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, citing nightmares, bed-wetting, and fear-related behaviors.
According to the warrant, the child said he was afraid to speak up because Busfield was the director and he feared repercussions.
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Claims of Grooming and On-Set Access
Investigators allege that Busfield exploited the chaotic nature of television sets to gain unsupervised access to the minors.
The children’s mother claimed that before Busfield joined the show, parents were given iPads to monitor filming remotely, a practice she says stopped after his arrival. She also alleged that Busfield discouraged parental monitoring on set.
A production assistant reportedly told investigators that at least one child was left unsupervised, creating opportunities for private contact.
An internal investigation conducted by Warner Bros., according to police documents, included a claim from a witness who said they saw Busfield kiss a minor male on the face in a hair and makeup trailer in December 2024.
Busfield’s Response to Investigators
Busfield allegedly told police that any contact with the children was “playful” and denied sexual intent. He suggested the allegations were motivated by “revenge” after the children were replaced by younger actors for the show’s final season.
He acknowledged that it was “highly likely” he tickled the children but said he did not recall inappropriate conduct and insisted there was no protocol allowing touching on set.
Busfield also stated that he and his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, had a friendly relationship with the family outside of work, including exchanging Christmas gifts.
Past Allegations and Industry Fallout
The warrant also references prior sexual assault allegations dating back to 1994, though details were not made public.
As of publication, it remains unclear whether Busfield has been taken into custody. Representatives for Busfield, Gilbert, FOX, and Warner Bros. did not respond to requests for comment.
The case has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, particularly given Busfield’s long-standing reputation and extensive résumé, which includes more than 700 credits across film and television.
FAQ
Who is Timothy Busfield?
Timothy Busfield is an Emmy-winning actor and director known for The West Wing, thirtysomething, Field of Dreams, and Revenge of the Nerds.
Why was an arrest warrant issued for Timothy Busfield?
Authorities allege Busfield engaged in criminal sexual contact with two minors and committed child abuse while working on The Cleaning Lady.
What charges does Timothy Busfield face?
He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
Where did the alleged abuse occur?
The alleged incidents took place on the set of the FOX series The Cleaning Lady in New Mexico.
Has Timothy Busfield been arrested yet?
As of the latest reports, it is unclear whether Busfield has been taken into custody.
What evidence is cited in the warrant?
The warrant cites therapist evaluations, parental reports, internal studio investigations, and witness statements.
How has Timothy Busfield responded?
Busfield has denied wrongdoing, describing any contact as “playful” and claiming the allegations stem from parental resentment.
Did Warner Bros. investigate the allegations?
Yes. An internal investigation was conducted, and its findings were referenced in police documents.
