Timothy Busfield Faces Indictment for Child Sexual Abuse
Timothy Busfield, a 68-year-old actor and director, has been indicted on charges of child sexual abuse. The indictment stems from allegations that he made sexual contact with a child actor during the filming of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady” in New Mexico. Court documents reveal that a grand jury in Albuquerque voted on four counts of criminal sexual contact involving a minor.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment arose from accusations that Busfield repeatedly touched the genitals and backside of a child actor, who worked alongside his twin brother on the show. The alleged incidents occurred when the boys were aged 7 and 8. A statement from Busfield’s attorney, Larry Stein, expressed deep concern about the validity of the case, asserting that it is unsound and cannot be proven in court.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Following the grand jury decision, Busfield’s defense team aims to dismantle the charges. They cite audio recordings from initial interviews where both boys stated that Busfield had not inappropriately touched them. The investigation includes claims by medical and psychological professionals about possible grooming.
- Charges Filed: Four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
- Indictment Date: January 13, 2024.
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Accusations and Response
The allegations surfaced following a hospital visit in 2024, where concerns were raised about potential abuse. Initial interviews with the boys revealed discomfort from tickling, but no sexual contact was mentioned. It wasn’t until nearly a year later that one boy alleged inappropriate touching during therapy sessions.
Background Information
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in shows like “Thirtysomething” and “The West Wing,” became a significant figure in television. Previously, he faced allegations in the 1990s regarding inappropriate conduct with a minor during the filming of “Little Big League,” which was settled out of court.
Current Status
Busfield turned himself into authorities following the indictment and was released on bail. He has been instructed to avoid unsupervised contact with children throughout the legal process. The prosecution, led by district attorney Sam Bregman, claims to have substantial evidence backing the allegations.
Next Steps in the Case
A trial date has yet to be established as legal proceedings continue. Busfield has publicly vowed to contest the charges, stating his eagerness to clarify his actions in open court.
The parents of the boys have not commented since the indictment and have been accused by Busfield’s legal team of potentially fabricating the allegations due to concerns after their sons were recast from their roles in 2024.
