ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The entertainment world was rocked Friday, January 9, 2026, as authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant for veteran actor and director Timothy Busfield. Busfield, 68, widely recognized for his Emmy-winning role in thirtysomething and his portrayal of Danny Concannon on The West Wing, is facing grave criminal charges following a multi-year investigation into his conduct on the set of the FOX drama series The Cleaning Lady.
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has charged Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations involve twin brothers who worked as child actors on the production between November 2022 and spring 2024.
The Allegations: “Uncle Tim”
According to an 11-page criminal complaint obtained by media outlets, the investigation began on November 1, 2024, after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) alerted authorities to potential sexual abuse.
The victims’ parents told investigators that Busfield, who directed and acted in The Cleaning Lady, developed a close relationship with the boys, encouraging them to call him “Uncle Tim.” However, the boys later disclosed that the director had allegedly touched them inappropriately in “private areas” while alone in a bedroom setting on the TV set. One of the minors claimed the incidents began when he was just 7 years old.
Lapses in Production Safety
The police affidavit paints a troubling picture of on-set protocols. Witnesses reportedly described “abnormal behavior” and noted that Busfield was occasionally left unsupervised with the children. The complaint further alleges:
- Safety Monitoring: iPads previously used by parents to monitor their children on set were reportedly discontinued after Busfield joined the series as a director.
- Supervision Failures: Set teachers assigned to oversee the children allegedly “lost sight” of them on several occasions.
- Psychological Impact: One of the children has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, suffering from recurring nightmares about the director.
Busfield’s Defense
In a phone interview with APD detectives in late 2025, Busfield denied any inappropriate contact. While he admitted it was “highly likely” he had picked up or tickled the children in a “playful environment,” he insisted the contact was never “weird” and always happened in public.
Busfield further alleged that the accusations were motivated by “revenge,” claiming the children’s mother was upset that her sons were not brought back for the final season of the show, which concluded its four-season run in 2025.
Industry Impact and History
The warrant notes that Warner Bros. conducted its own internal investigation into the claims but was unable to corroborate them at the time. The affidavit also references prior sexual assault allegations against Busfield dating back to 1994 and 2012, though no charges were filed in those instances.
Busfield is currently married to Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert. Representatives for Gilbert and Busfield have not yet released an official statement regarding the warrant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the specific charges against Timothy Busfield? He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one open count of child abuse in the state of New Mexico.
2. Where did the alleged incidents take place? The alleged abuse occurred on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
3. Who are the accusers? The accusers are twin brothers who worked as child actors on the show. Their identities remain confidential due to their ages.
4. Has Timothy Busfield been arrested? As of January 10, 2026, a warrant has been signed by a judge, but records do not yet indicate he has been taken into custody.
5. What has FOX or Warner Bros. said about the case? Warner Bros. reportedly conducted an internal investigation in 2025 but stated they could not corroborate the allegations at that time.