Probe Weakens Child Sex Abuse Case Against ‘West Wing’ Actor Timothy Busfield
An independent investigation has raised questions about the child sex abuse case against actor Timothy Busfield. His attorneys claim that new findings undermine the state’s allegations brought against him. This case began after a minor accused Busfield of inappropriate touching while he directed a TV series in New Mexico.
Background of the Case
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” was arrested following a warrant issued by Albuquerque police. The charges against him include:
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
- One count of child abuse
The accusations stem from allegations that he touched a child inappropriately on the set of “The Cleaning Lady.” The incidents reportedly occurred when the child was seven and eight years old, as described in a criminal complaint. The child’s twin brother also mentioned that he had been touched but did not disclose specifics.
Details of the Allegations
Busfield turned himself in to authorities a day before his initial court appearance, where he was ordered to be held without bond. His attorneys presented a variety of defenses:
- The parents of the accusers have a history of fraud and dishonesty.
- Busfield passed a polygraph test.
- The allegations coincidentally surfaced after the boys lost their roles in the series.
Legal experts note that New Mexico allows polygraph results in criminal cases, but the decision to admit such evidence lies with a judge.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether Busfield will remain in custody. In the meantime, he has submitted letters attesting to his character and claims that independent witnesses support the findings of an investigation by Warner Bros., which allegedly found the accusations unsubstantiated.
Busfield has publicly denied the allegations, describing them as lies in a video addressed before his arrest. The outcome of these proceedings is awaited with significant public interest, considering Busfield’s prominence in the entertainment industry.
