In brief
An arrest warrant has been issued for actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges. Allegations include inappropriate touching of a minor, reportedly occurring during the filming of 'The Cleaning Lady'. The child involved, diagnosed with PTSD, expressed fear about speaking up due to Busfield's position on set. The investigation began following a report from a doctor linked to the child’s parents. Warner Bros. reportedly conducted its own investigation but did not corroborate the claims.
Authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant on Friday for Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in 'Field of Dreams' and 'Thirtysomething', as he faces charges related to child sexual abuse. The complaint, filed by an investigator in Albuquerque, details claims made by a child who said Busfield touched him inappropriately while working together on the television series 'The Cleaning Lady'. According to reports, the alleged abuse began when the child was 7 years old, stating that Busfield touched him inappropriately multiple times on several occasions. The child's mother notified Child Protective Services, indicating that the alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024. A social worker involved in the case noted that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, with the child reportedly expressing fears about Busfield's reactions, feeling intimidated by his status as the director. The investigation commenced in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities. Busfield's attorney and agent have not yet commented on the charges. The warrant issued by a judge cites two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The production company, Warner Bros., is reported to have conducted its own investigation that ultimately failed to substantiate the abuse allegations. 'The Cleaning Lady' aired for four seasons on Fox, telling the story of a Cambodian doctor who becomes embroiled in organized crime after witnessing a mob killing. Timothy Busfield is also well-known for his Emmy-winning performance in 'Thirtysomething' and has appeared in other notable projects such as 'The West Wing'. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, though there has been no immediate comment from her representative.
