SANTA FE, N.M. — Actor Timothy Busfield, known for roles in “The West Wing” and “Field of Dreams,” was indicted Friday by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. The allegations stem from his work as a director on the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” in recent years.
Allegations Surface Against ‘West Wing’ Actor
A grand jury in New Mexico has indicted Timothy Busfield, prompting a denial from the actor and a promise to vigorously defend against the charges.
- Timothy Busfield faces four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child.
- The charges relate to incidents alleged to have occurred while Busfield was directing “The Cleaning Lady.”
- Busfield has turned himself in to authorities and maintains his innocence.
- His legal team argues weaknesses exist in the state’s evidence.
Busfield surrendered to authorities in January and was released on his own recognizance after a judge determined there was no prior pattern of similar conduct involving children, according to court records.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced the indictment via a social media post.
Larry Stein, Busfield’s attorney, stated Friday that his client would “fight these charges at every stage.” Stein also noted that the grand jury did not approve charges related to grooming, which prosecutors had sought.
What exactly are the allegations against Timothy Busfield? According to an initial criminal complaint filed by the Albuquerque Police Department, a boy reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately over his clothing on two separate occasions, once when he was 7 years old and again when he was 8. The boy’s twin brother also told authorities he was touched by Busfield but initially remained silent, fearing repercussions.
During a detention hearing last month, Busfield’s defense team highlighted inconsistencies in the children’s initial statements to police, claiming the boys initially denied inappropriate contact. They further alleged that the boys’ parents may have influenced their statements after the children were removed from roles on the show.
Busfield is widely recognized for his work in television and film, including appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething.”
Stein, in a statement, asserted that the detention hearing “exposed fatal weaknesses in the state’s evidence — gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure.”
