Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his role in The West Wing, is facing further allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor. This comes shortly after he was charged with the alleged sexual abuse of 11-year-old twins.
Busfield, aged 68, appeared in court to address charges of two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse.
An arrest warrant issued last week claims that Busfield engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with two 11-year-old siblings, whose identities remain confidential.
It is reported that these siblings had worked with Busfield on the series, The Cleaning Lady.
During the court session, Busfield did not enter a plea. It was confirmed that he would remain in custody without bond until a preliminary hearing set for January 29.
Furthermore, a pretrial detention motion filed on January 14 revealed that a separate accusation was made by ‘another victim’s father.’ This individual reported that Busfield allegedly abused his daughter ‘several years ago’ in Sacramento, California.
“While auditioning for [Busfield] at B Street Theatre, the 16-year-old reported that [Busfield] kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates,” according to the motion.
Busfield reportedly ‘begged the family not to report to law enforcement if he received therapy,’ with the father, being a therapist himself, believing at the time that this was the best course of action.
Busfield established the well-known theatre in 1986, originally named 1986, the Theatre for Children, Inc.
According to PEOPLE, following these new allegations, the theatre company released a statement: “B Street Theatre is aware of a report concerning Timothy Busfield regarding an incident alleged to have occurred at B Street Theatre approximately 25 years ago.
“B Street Theatre retained legal counsel at the time to conduct an internal investigation, and Mr. Busfield has not had any role in the organization since 2001.”
“He is not involved in our current operations, staff, leadership, or programming. Although he is listed as an emeritus board member, he has not participated in theatre governance or attended a board meeting since that time.
“Because this matter is now part of an ongoing investigation related to a separate alleged incident in New Mexico, we are unable to provide further comment at this time,” the statement continues.
“As an organization that has served Sacramento and the greater region for decades, our mission remains to provide a safe, creative, and inclusive environment for artists, students, families, and audiences. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by abuse or exploitation in any form.”
Busfield has firmly denied all accusations and released a video earlier in the week just before turning himself in to the authorities.
In the video, obtained by TMZ, he stated: “I did not do anything wrong.”
“Hi everybody, it’s Tim,” he began. “I’m sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque – I’m here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible.”
He went on to say, “They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
He concluded the video with, “So hang in there, and hopefully I’m out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you.”
Representatives for Busfield were previously contacted for comment on the matter.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues or wish to speak to someone in confidence 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, taking calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.