Emmy award-winning actor Timothy Busfield has turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following accusations of child sex offences, which he vehemently denies. The 68-year-old star, best known for his role in The West Wing, faces charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor.
Allegations and Arrest
Busfield surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued last week. The allegations stem from incidents in 2022 on the set of the TV show The Cleaning Lady, which he was directing. He is accused of inappropriately touching two young boys.
In a video statement to TMZ upon turning himself in, Busfield said, "I will confront these lies. I did not do anything to those little boys." He described the accusations as "horrible lies" and vowed to fight the charges with his legal team, stating his belief that he will be exonerated.
Documents reveal Busfield is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Melissa Gilbert's Statement of Support
Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has now broken her silence. Through a representative speaking to People magazine, she confirmed she is "standing by and supporting her husband."
The statement clarified that Gilbert is not making public comments at this time, on the advice of Busfield's lawyers, and warned against fake AI-generated "deepfake" statements circulating online. "Her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment," the representative said, adding that Gilbert will address the public at an appropriate time.
Details of the Investigation
According to the arrest warrant, an investigation began in November 2024 after staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported concerns about potential grooming on the studio set involving seven-year-old children.
The criminal complaint alleges Busfield told the children to call him "Uncle Tim" and would tickle them on the stomach and legs despite their discomfort. While sexual touching was not initially alleged, in October 2025, one parent reported to Child Protective Services that her child had disclosed alleged sexual abuse.
The child told a therapist that Busfield touched his "genitalia" and "bottom" in a bedroom on set. The affidavit states Busfield admitted to "playful" contact but denied any wrongdoing. The warrant also notes that Busfield and Gilbert had a relationship with the alleged victims' families outside of work, including buying Christmas gifts and socialising.
Busfield's civil lawyer, Larry Stein, has suggested the allegations are a revenge plot by the boys' mother, allegedly because the children were not invited back to the show. At least one child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following the alleged abuse, which is said to have occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
This is not the first time Busfield has faced such allegations; in 1996, he was ordered to pay $150,000 in a civil case involving similar claims.
