Actor Timothy Busfield Surrenders to Police, Denies Child Sex Abuse Allegations

Jason Sargent Wednesday, January 14, 2026

- - Actor Timothy Busfield Surrenders to Police, Denies Child Sex Abuse Allegations

Miu von FurstenbergJanuary 14, 2026 at 12:44 AM

Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued earlier this month on child sex abuse charges. The 68-year-old actor, known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, maintains his innocence.

“Timothy Busfield has turned himself in at the Metro Detention Center,” Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos confirmed. “He will be booked on his warrant.”

The charges stem from allegations involving two 11-year-old twin boys who worked as child actors on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, where Timothy Busfield served as director. According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.

Photo Credit: Albuquerque Metro Detention FacilityActor Drives 2,000 Miles to Face Charges

Before turning himself in, Timothy Busfield released a video statement recorded at his lawyer’s office. “I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in a car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque,” he explained.

The Thirtysomething star vehemently denies the allegations. “I’m gonna confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I’m gonna fight it,” Busfield stated in the video shared with TMZ.

He added: “I’m gonna fight with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies.”

Details of the Charges

The arrest warrant, issued January 9, charges Timothy Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. Under New Mexico law, he faces anywhere from three years to decades in prison if convicted.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield arrive at the New York Premiere Of Relativity Media And Peacock’s ‘The Independent’ held at the IPIC Fulton Market NYC Theater on November 1, 2022 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. — Photo by Jordan Hinton/Image Press Agency/depositphotos.com

The investigation began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police about a case of alleged sexual abuse. The boys’ mother had reported to Child Protective Services that her sons were groomed and sexually abused while working on the television series.

According to the criminal complaint, one child told investigators the first incident happened when he was seven years old. The boy alleged inappropriate touching occurred on multiple occasions while on set.

U.S. Marshals Join Investigation

Days before his surrender, the Albuquerque Police Department brought in U.S. Marshals to assist in locating Timothy Busfield, who resides in upstate New York. The involvement of federal authorities underscores the seriousness of the charges.

During an interview with investigators in November, Timothy Busfield acknowledged having contact with the twins on set. However, he suggested the allegations might be motivated by revenge after the boys were not brought back for the show’s final season.

Wife Stands By Accused Actor

Melissa Gilbert, Busfield’s wife and former Little House on the Prairie star, has remained supportive. A spokesperson for the actress stated: “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment.”

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield at the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival – Nominees Party in Monte-Carlo on June 19, 2022. Photo Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages

The representative added that Gilbert “stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”

Gilbert reportedly deleted her Instagram account following the issuance of the arrest warrant. Her representative cautioned the public about AI-generated deepfakes claiming to show her breaking her silence on the matter.

Previous Allegations Surface

This is not the first time Timothy Busfield has faced sexual misconduct allegations. In 2012, a woman accused him of groping her at a Los Angeles movie theater. However, prosecutors declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence at that time.

Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein, maintains the current charges are part of a revenge plot. He referenced statements in the criminal complaint suggesting the boys’ mother vowed to seek revenge after her sons were cut from the final season of the show. Independent Investigation Conducted

Timothy Busfield at the New York Stage and Film’s Annual Winter Gala honoring Patricia Wettig, Ken Olin, and Johanna Pfaelzer, at The Plaza Hotel on December 9, 2019. Photo Credit: Adam Nemser/startraksphoto.com

Warner Bros. Television, which produced The Cleaning Lady, previously conducted an independent investigation. Attorney Christina McGovern, who led the inquiry, stated: “Based on what was alleged, and all evidence gathered, including multiple witness statements, I found no corroborating evidence that Mr. Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct.”

Despite this finding, the Albuquerque Police Department moved forward with criminal charges after conducting its own investigation.

What Happens Next

As of Tuesday afternoon, Timothy Busfield had not been officially processed through the jail system, according to police records. It remains unclear whether he will appear before a judge immediately or if he will be released on bail pending trial.

The case has already impacted Busfield’s career. NBC pulled an episode of Law & Order: SVUthat featured the actor as a guest star following the announcement of the charges.

Timothy Busfield’s legal team has indicated he will vigorously fight the charges. The actor concluded his video statement by thanking supporters and expressing hope to return to work soon.

The investigation continues as prosecutors prepare their case against the veteran actor, while Busfield prepares his defense against what he calls lies and false accusations.

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