A New Mexico grand jury has moved a serious criminal case forward against actor and director Timothy Busfield, charging him with multiple counts related to alleged child sexual abuse.
Busfield, widely recognized for his role as a White House reporter on The West Wing, was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, a third-degree felony under New Mexico law. The decision clears the way for prosecutors to take the case to trial.
The allegations stem from Busfield’s time working on the Fox crime drama The Cleaning Lady, which was filmed in Albuquerque. Prosecutors allege the abuse involved twin boys who were seven or eight years old at the time and occurred over a two-year period during the show’s production. The children are now 11. Busfield served as an executive producer on the series and directed several episodes.
Busfield surrendered to authorities in mid-January after a criminal complaint was filed. About a week later, a judge ordered his release from custody, ruling that the evidence presented at that stage did not justify holding him before trial.
In a video recorded prior to turning himself in, the 68-year-old actor denied the allegations, calling them false and saying he expects to be cleared. Efforts to obtain further comment from Busfield and his legal team were unsuccessful.
The indictment itself had not yet been made public, but prosecutors have said it mirrors the allegations outlined in the original complaint.
Beyond The West Wing, Busfield built a long television career, including a prominent role on the 1980s drama Thirtysomething. He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, who previously served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
The case now heads toward the next phase in court, where the charges will be tested before a judge and jury.
