Warning: This article contains allegations of child abuse which some readers may find distressing.
Authorities have released new information in the search for Timothy Busfield, following the issuance of an arrest warrant accusing the actor of sexually abusing 11-year-old twin boys.
The actor from The West Wing is accused of inappropriate conduct with the minors after a criminal complaint was filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department last week (January 9).
The alleged incident allegedly took place on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a show Busfield both appeared in and directed.
In addition to a count of child abuse, Busfield is also facing two charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
The 68-year-old is still on the run and has yet to be detained by law enforcement.
The Albuquerque Police Department updated People on the situation, noting they have partnered with the US Marshals Service to find and apprehend Busfield.
When asked by People about the actor’s whereabouts, a police spokesperson replied, “Not that I am aware.”
According to the arrest warrant, Dr. Tyler Christensen from the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) initiated a call for a sexual abuse investigation in 2024.
Subsequent police interviews with the boys’ parents revealed that the children referred to Busfield as ‘Uncle Tim’.
An affidavit explained: “The boys advised that Timothy Busfield, whom they referred to as ‘Uncle Tim’, would tickle them on the stomach and legs. Neither boy cared for the tickling.
“Officer Osborn contacted Detective Michael Brown with the Crimes Against Children Unit and determined that the case did not meet their acceptance criteria at this time.”
One of the minors claimed the incidents began when he was seven years old, according to the arrest warrant.
Warner Bros., the main producer of The Cleaning Lady, stated they ‘will continue to cooperate with law enforcement’ following the issuance of Busfield’s arrest warrant.
They further stated: “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action.”
Attempts have been made to reach out to Busfield’s representatives for a comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues or wish to speak to someone confidentially regarding a child’s welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.