Timothy Busfield Held Without Bond in New Mexico Child Sex Abuse Case

Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield was ordered held without bond Wednesday during his first court appearance in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following child sex abuse allegations tied to a television series he directed. The court’s decision came a day after Busfield voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

Busfield appeared remotely from jail via video link, remaining silent while a defense attorney addressed the court. A detention hearing is scheduled within five business days to determine whether he will continue to be held pending trial.

Albuquerque police issued an arrest warrant last week citing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged acts occurred on the set of the series The Cleaning Lady, filmed in Albuquerque.

Busfield, married to actress Melissa Gilbert and known for roles in The West Wing, Thirtysomething, and Field of Dreams, has denied the allegations, describing them as false in a video statement shared before turning himself in.

Prosecutors Seek Detention, Citing Pattern of Misconduct

Prosecutors argued in court filings that Busfield has demonstrated a long-term pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior spanning two decades. They also noted that witnesses expressed fear of retaliation and potential professional harm.

Defense attorney Larry Stein emphasized that Busfield recently submitted to an independent polygraph test, which he said was passed with no deception. “We plan to respond in detail to establish that he should not be detained,” Stein said. Legal experts caution, however, that judges have broad discretion over polygraph admissibility, with strict requirements in New Mexico.

The prosecution’s detention motion highlighted research showing that individuals with status or authority may evade safeguards intended to protect children. The filing argued that “no condition or combination of conditions of release can reasonably protect the victims or the community.”

Alleged Victim Accounts

The criminal complaint states that the child, then seven years old, was touched multiple times over clothing in private areas by Busfield. Additional incidents reportedly occurred when the child was eight. The child allegedly refrained from reporting the abuse due to fear of Busfield, the series director.

The child’s twin brother also reported inappropriate contact but did not specify details. Both children’s mother filed a report with Child Protective Services, stating the alleged abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.

Busfield denied the allegations in a police interview last fall, suggesting the children’s mother may have been motivated by a dispute over their roles on the series. Warner Bros. conducted an independent investigation, which his attorney says found no evidence of misconduct, though prosecutors noted the investigator did not interview all key witnesses.

Court Process and Next Steps

Busfield’s detention will remain under review in the coming days. Prosecutors have objected to his prior public video statement, arguing it prioritized media control over adherence to legal procedures.

The case originated in November 2024 after a University of New Mexico Hospital doctor contacted authorities. The hospital had been consulted by the boys’ parents on legal advice, according to court filings.

The legal proceedings in this case are ongoing, with additional hearings expected to address detention, evidence, and trial preparation.