Timothy Busfield indicted in New Mexico on child sexual contact charges

SANTA FE, N.M. (JN) – A New Mexico grand jury has indicted actor and director Timothy Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under 13, allowing the case to proceed toward trial without a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors say the allegations stem from Busfield’s time directing episodes of the television series “The Cleaning Lady” between 2022 and 2024.

Busfield, known for roles in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams,” and “Thirtysomething,” denies the allegations. His attorney said he will contest the charges at every stage of the proceedings.

The indictment, announced Friday by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, follows earlier charges filed by Albuquerque police and Busfield’s voluntary surrender to authorities in January.

Legal process advances after grand jury review

The indictment filed in state District Court formalizes four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under 13. Under New Mexico law, a grand jury indictment allows prosecutors to move the case forward without presenting evidence in a preliminary courtroom hearing.

Busfield was released from custody on Jan. 20 after a detention hearing in which a judge determined prosecutors had not shown that the public would be unsafe if he remained free pending trial. State District Court Judge David Murphy noted the seriousness of the allegations but said there was no demonstrated pattern of similar conduct in Busfield’s past.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced the indictment in a social media post but did not elaborate on details of the evidence presented to the grand jury.

Allegations detailed in initial complaint

According to the original criminal complaint filed by Albuquerque police, a boy reported that Busfield touched his private areas over his clothing when the child was 7 years old and again at age 8. The boy’s twin brother later told authorities he had also been touched but initially remained silent because he feared getting into trouble.

The indictment reiterates allegations that Busfield “touched or applied force to the intimate parts” of one of the boys on multiple occasions.

Prosecutors have previously said the alleged conduct occurred while Busfield was working as a director on “The Cleaning Lady,” a television series filmed in New Mexico.

Defense challenges evidence and investigative process

Larry Stein, an attorney for Busfield, said the grand jury did not adopt grooming charges that prosecutors had sought. He did not comment directly on the sexual contact counts but argued that earlier court proceedings exposed weaknesses in the state’s case.

In a statement, Stein said a detention hearing “exposed fatal weaknesses in the state’s evidence — gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure.”

Busfield’s legal team has argued that the children initially told police during interviews that Busfield had not touched them inappropriately. The defense has also accused the boys’ parents of influencing their children’s statements after the boys reportedly lost roles on the television show.

“Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State’s case in open court,” Stein said.

Prosecutors cite corroboration and witness concerns

Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch has previously described the evidence against Busfield as “strong and specific,” citing what she said were supporting medical findings and statements from the boys’ therapist.

She also told the court that some witnesses expressed fear of potential retaliation and professional harm related to the case. Prosecutors have outlined what they characterize as grooming behavior and abuse of power by Busfield spanning decades, though specific details were not publicly discussed in court filings related to the indictment.

Prosecutors declined to comment on what specific accusations were presented to the grand jury beyond the charges now filed.

Potential penalties and next steps

Each of the four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under 13 carries a possible penalty of up to six years in prison under New Mexico law, with potential sentence enhancements if the offense is classified as sexual in nature.

With the indictment now in place, the case is expected to move toward pretrial proceedings and, potentially, a jury trial unless resolved earlier through legal motions or agreements between the parties.

Busfield remains free pending further court dates under conditions set by the court.

Public profile and professional background

Busfield is widely recognized for his acting career, including his Emmy Award-winning work on “Thirtysomething,” as well as appearances in “The West Wing” and the film “Field of Dreams.” In recent years, he has worked primarily as a television director, including on productions filmed in New Mexico.

The case has drawn attention because of Busfield’s public profile and the setting of the alleged incidents on a television production, raising questions that are likely to be examined in court about workplace authority and access to minors in entertainment environments.

As with all criminal cases, the charges represent allegations, and Busfield is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.