What are the allegations against Timothy Busfield… inside his child sex abuse charges

Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield has been indicted on multiple child sex abuse charges by a New Mexico grand jury, prosecutors confirmed Friday, February 6, 2026. The 68-year-old star, known for his roles in The West Wing, Thirtysomething, and Field of Dreams, now faces serious legal battles that could shape his legacy in Hollywood.

Grand Jury Indictment and Charges

Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under 13, which are classified as third-degree felonies. If convicted, each charge carries six years in prison followed by a minimum five-year parole term.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the indictment stems from alleged incidents involving 11-year-old twin boys on a film set. The indictment comes after Busfield voluntarily turned himself in last month following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Albuquerque Police Department.

At a pre-trial hearing, a New Mexico judge ordered Busfield released pending trial. The case is expected to move forward to trial in due course.

Allegations Against Busfield

Court documents state that Busfield allegedly touched the genital or buttocks area of one of the twin boys on four separate occasions between October 2022 and May 2024.

The children reportedly referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim” on set. When questioned by their mother about inappropriate touching, the boys allegedly referenced Busfield as the person involved. According to reports, one boy claimed the abuse began when he was seven years old, describing repeated incidents over clothing in sensitive areas.

The other boy, meanwhile, said the alleged touching occurred during the first two years on set, though he did not confirm genital contact. Both boys disclosed these experiences to Child Protective Services and forensic interviewers.

Previous Investigations and Studio Response

In February 2025, Warner Bros. Television, which produced The Cleaning Lady, conducted its own investigation into allegations that Busfield kissed a minor on the face in a makeup trailer. The studio reported no evidence supporting the claims.

Busfield and his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, maintain that the couple had a relationship with the family outside of work, including buying gifts and attending social functions, but Busfield denies wrongdoing.

New Allegations in Other States

In addition to the New Mexico case, prosecutors outlined other allegations involving a 16-year-old girl at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, where Busfield previously worked. The girl claimed that during an audition, Busfield allegedly kissed her and touched her private areas.

Further claims include a 1991 incident reported by actress Claudia Christian, who alleged Busfield forcibly grabbed and kissed her while running lines on the set of Strays. Christian reportedly avoided him for the rest of filming after the incident.

Busfield’s Response

Busfield has denied all allegations. In a video recorded before turning himself in, he stated he drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque to confront the accusations. His attorney, Larry Stein, called the indictment “fundamentally unsound” and pledged to fight the charges at every stage, emphasizing that the case should be tested in court where evidence matters.

Background: Timothy Busfield

• Born: June 12, 1957

• Notable TV Roles: The West Wing, Thirtysomething

• Film Credits: Field of Dreams

• Personal Life: Married to actress Melissa Gilbert since 2013

  
  
  

Busfield has also been a respected director and co-founder of the B Street Theatre, where he has worked extensively in youth theatre and productions involving minors.

Legal Outlook

The case will proceed through the judicial system, with trial dates yet to be determined. Third-degree felony charges in New Mexico carry serious potential penalties, though Busfield’s attorneys argue the case lacks sufficient evidence.