ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An arrest warrant has been issued for Timothy Busfield, a director and Emmy-winning actor, in connection with allegations of child sexual abuse. The warrant was signed by a judge on Friday following the filing of a criminal complaint by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department.
The complaint outlines accusations from a child who reported that Busfield inappropriately touched him on multiple occasions while working on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a television series for which Busfield served as both director and actor. According to the report, the first incident reportedly occurred when the child was seven years old, with additional inappropriate contacts occurring when he was eight.
The allegations surfaced when the child’s mother notified Child Protective Services, stating that the incidents took place between November 2022 and spring 2024. The complaint identifies the child only by initials and notes that he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, stemming from the reported abuse. A social worker recorded that the child has experienced nightmares about the encounters, expressing fear that Busfield, as the director, would react negatively if the incidents were disclosed.
The investigation commenced in November 2024 after a medical professional at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted authorities. The child’s family sought assistance from a law firm prior to this, which played a role in initiating the report to law enforcement.
Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. His legal representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations. The production company, Warner Bros., conducted its own inquiry into the accusations but reportedly found insufficient evidence to corroborate them.
“The Cleaning Lady,” which aired for four seasons on Fox and concluded in 2025, featured Elodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor navigating the challenges of organized crime in the United States. The show was well-received during its run, adding to Busfield’s long-standing career in the industry.
Timothy Busfield is perhaps best known for his roles in iconic television series like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” the latter earning him an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, but there has been no response from her representatives regarding the situation.
As the legal process unfolds, reactions from the entertainment community and the public are anticipated, given Busfield’s stature and the serious nature of the allegations against him.