In New Mexico, an arrest warrant has been issued for director and Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield, who faces allegations of child sex abuse.
On Friday, January 9, an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department submitted a criminal complaint supporting the charge. The complaint details that a child accused Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, of inappropriate touching.
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place on the set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady, in which Busfield both directed and acted. Fox announced the show’s cancellation in June 2025 after four seasons.
The 68-year-old actor faces one count of child abuse and two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
The case reportedly began in 2024 when Dr. Tyler Christensen from the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) initiated a call for a sexual abuse investigation, as outlined in the arrest warrant.
A law enforcement officer spoke to the boys’ parents, who mentioned that Busfield, who was both a director and actor on The Cleaning Lady, encouraged the boys to refer to him as ‘Uncle Tim’.
Following a visit to UNMH, staff indicated that the boys had experienced grooming.
The affidavit noted: “The boys reported that Timothy Busfield, whom they called ‘Uncle Tim’, would tickle them on the stomach and legs. Neither boy appreciated the tickling.”
“Officer Osborn contacted Detective Michael Brown from the Crimes Against Children Unit, who determined that the case did not meet their current acceptance criteria.”
However, in 2025, the boys’ mother informed Child Protective Services that her sons had disclosed ‘sexual abuse by Timothy from around November 2022 to Spring 2024.’
One of the boys reportedly revealed the allegations to his therapist, leading to a diagnosis of moderate post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety related to ‘inappropriate touching’.
When questioned by police, Busfield suggested that the parents were upset over their sons being replaced on The Cleaning Lady.
When asked about tickling or picking up the boys, Busfield admitted it was ‘highly likely’ he had done so.
The warrant further stated: “Timothy described the set as a playful environment, as he intended it to be. However, he noted that the dad, Ronald, would encourage SL and VL to hug him, and he did not particularly want this. Timothy was asked about the protocol for touching or picking up children and if it was allowed. Initially, Timothy stated, ‘It’s not allowed at all. There is no, there’s no protocol. I mean, I’m always around people, right? Uh, uh, uh, it would be, it would be, you know, in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it. I don’t really remember picking those boys up. Uh, I remember picking up the boy who followed them. I’d pick him up, and he’d be giggling, and that would sort of get him ready to act.’
“Timothy then mentioned, ‘I don’t remember those boys. No, I don’t, I don’t actually, I don’t remember it if it happened, I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.'”
UNILAD has sought comments from Busfield and FOX.
If these issues affect you or if you want to discuss child welfare in confidence, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) operates 24/7 and accepts calls from the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.