Actor Timothy Busfield has made his first court appearance after turning himself in on criminal charges tied to allegations of sexual abuse involving two boys on the set of a television series filming in New Mexico, according to prosecutors.
The 68-year-old Emmy winner, known for roles in Thirtysomething and The West Wing, was taken into custody in Albuquerque on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Authorities allege the incidents occurred on the set of Fox’s crime drama The Cleaning Lady, a show Busfield directs and executive produces.
Busfield has denied all allegations through his attorney. “The claims being made against Tim are completely false, and we will fight this to the end until the truth prevails,” his lawyer, Stanton “Larry” Stein, said. Stein argued the accusations stem from retaliation, claiming the boys’ mother became angry after her children were removed from the series.
He said the case amounts to an effort at revenge rather than a reflection of the facts. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman confirmed that Busfield appeared in court on Wednesday and that a judge ordered he remain in custody for now. A hearing has been scheduled for January 20 to determine whether he may be released on bail while the case proceeds.
“Our priority is to protect the rights of everyone involved,” Bregman said, adding that anyone with information should contact law enforcement. Court documents allege the boys referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim” and claimed he “would tickle them on the stomach and legs.” One boy told authorities that the alleged inappropriate behavior began when he was 7 years old and that he did not speak out because he “feared” Busfield would “get mad at him.”
Prosecutors say the child later suffered nightmares, bedwetting, and was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety. Before surrendering, Busfield released a video to TMZ explaining that he drove more than 2,000 miles to Albuquerque after learning he needed a lawyer. In the video, he said: “They’re all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I’m gonna fight it. I’m gonna fight it with a great team, and I’m gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.”
Additional allegations have surfaced since the arrest. Court filings reference a claim from the father of a now-16-year-old girl who alleges Busfield kissed and groped her during an audition years earlier in California. Prosecutors cited that accusation when asking the court to keep Busfield in custody, alleging a “documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority and grooming behavior.”
Stein told the BBC that Busfield denies all claims and “maintains that they are completely false.” He added that Busfield voluntarily took and passed a polygraph test, though no details were provided.
Warner Bros Television and Fox said they are aware of the charges and will cooperate with law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of cast and crew safety. Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, will not be commenting publicly for now. Her publicist said, “She is honoring the request of Tim’s lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds,” adding that Gilbert remains focused on supporting their family.
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