Actor Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sexual Abuse Charges in New Mexico
On February 6, 2026, a grand jury in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, indicted actor and director Timothy Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. The charges stem from allegations that Busfield, 68, inappropriately touched a child actor multiple times on the set of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady” (filmed in Albuquerque) when the boy was 7 and 8 years old, between late 2024 and early 2025.
Key Details from Reports
- Indictment Announcement: Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman confirmed the grand jury’s decision on Friday, February 6, 2026. Busfield faces four felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a child.
- Prior Arrest: Busfield was arrested in January 2026 after turning himself in following an arrest warrant issued on January 9–13, 2026. Initial charges included two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He was released on his own recognizance after a pretrial detention hearing.
- Allegations: The criminal complaint alleges the incidents occurred on the set where Busfield directed and acted. Prosecutors say the acts involved inappropriate touching of a minor.
- Busfield’s Response: Busfield has denied all allegations, calling them “lies” in statements provided to media outlets like TMZ after his surrender. He maintains his innocence, and his legal team has emphasized that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
- Current Status: The case is proceeding to trial in New Mexico state court. No trial date has been set as of early February 2026.
This development follows Busfield’s earlier arrest and release in January 2026. The indictment escalates the legal proceedings against the actor, known for roles in “The West Wing”, “Field of Dreams”, and “Thirtysomething”.
Note: All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to official court records from Bernalillo County or reliable news sources like NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, and The New York Times, which have covered the indictment extensively. If you need details on related cases or legal resources, let me know.
