David Zayas, known for his role in Dexter, is stepping in to replace Timothy Busfield in an episode of Law & Order: SVU. The episode, titled “Corrosive,” was originally set to air on January 15 but was pulled after Busfield faced serious legal issues. An arrest warrant was issued for him, accusing him of criminal sexual contact with minors and child abuse.
Now, Zayas will play the same judge role, and the episode is scheduled to air on February 26.
Law & Order: SVU often explores tough topics like sexual crimes. The “Corrosive” episode deals with child abuse, bringing to light how the lives of victims can intertwine with those of respected figures. Detective Amanda Rollins, portrayed by Kelli Giddish, plays a central role as she works to support a victim dealing with trauma from the past.
The charges against Busfield are grave. Allegations emerged regarding inappropriate behavior toward two child actors on the New Mexico set of The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield was both director and executive producer. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of three years.
This case first came to light in late 2024 when a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted the Albuquerque Police about a sexual abuse investigation involving the child actors, who are brothers. An anonymous complaint made its way to SAG-AFTRA in early 2025, leading Warner Bros TV to conduct its own investigation, which initially exonerated Busfield.
In contrast, Zayas has had a successful acting career, known for his compelling performances. He has appeared in notable shows like The Bear and Blue Bloods, and his iconic role as Angel Batista in Dexter has garnered a large fan base.
As societal awareness of child protection rises, many are keeping a close eye on this case. The intersection of fame and responsibility is under scrutiny, and such incidents spark important conversations about safety in the entertainment industry.
Source link
David Zayas,Law & Order: SVU,Timothy Busfield

