BREAKING: Actor and director Timothy Busfield, famed for his role in “The West Wing,” has been indicted on serious charges of child sexual abuse by a grand jury in New Mexico. The indictments were confirmed by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office just hours ago.
Authorities report that Busfield, age 68, surrendered to law enforcement on January 13, 2023, following a criminal complaint filed by District Attorney Sam Bregman. The allegations involve the abuse of twin boys, now 11 years old, during the production of the Fox crime drama “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, where the boys were just seven or eight years old.
A grand jury’s decision to indict Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child, a third-degree felony in New Mexico, was made official on Thursday. The indictment, which was not public until recently, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.
In a video recorded prior to his surrender, Busfield vehemently denied the charges, describing them as “lies” and expressing confidence that he would be exonerated. Following his arrest, a judge determined there was insufficient evidence to justify pre-trial detention, leading to Busfield’s release from jail about a week later.
The allegations have raised critical questions about the safety of young actors in the industry, particularly regarding the conduct of those in positions of power. Busfield served as an executive producer and directed several episodes of “The Cleaning Lady,” intensifying scrutiny on the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.
Busfield is widely recognized for his roles in prime-time television, including as a White House reporter on NBC’s “The West Wing” (1999-2006) and as an advertising executive on ABC’s “Thirtysomething.” He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
As this case unfolds, the entertainment community and the public are closely watching the proceedings. Busfield’s next court appearance will be pivotal in determining the future of this case and the potential implications for child safety in the industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses.
