Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning director and actor. He faces charges related to child sex abuse. According to a complaint from the Albuquerque Police Department, a child reported inappropriate touching by Busfield while on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a show he directed.
The child stated the first incident occurred when he was just 7 years old. Allegedly, Busfield touched him multiple times over the course of two years, with incidents continuing until he was 8. The child’s mother informed Child Protective Services of the alleged abuse, which reportedly occurred between late 2022 and spring 2024.
The impact of the alleged trauma on the child is evident; the complaint mentions that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker noted that the child has had recurring nightmares about the abuse, waking up frightened. He reportedly felt scared to speak out due to Busfield’s position of authority on set.
The investigation started in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted authorities. The child’s family had been advised to seek help by a law firm.
“The Cleaning Lady,” which aired on Fox for four seasons, told the story of a doctor from Cambodia who became involved in the criminal underworld. The series wrapped up in 2025 and was produced by Warner Bros., which, according to the complaint, conducted its own investigation but could not substantiate the claims against Busfield.
Busfield, recognized for roles in shows like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething”—the latter of which earned him an Emmy in 1991—is married to actress Melissa Gilbert. So far, there has been no public comment from either Busfield or his representatives regarding these serious allegations.
This situation sheds light on the broader issue of abuse in the entertainment industry, bringing to mind similar high-profile cases that have surfaced in recent years. The conversation about accountability in Hollywood is more important than ever, as many people are calling for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals. According to a recent survey by the advocacy group Time’s Up, nearly 54% of industry professionals reported witnessing harassment or abuse in their workplace.
As incidents like this come to light, the ongoing need for changes in industry standards and the importance of protecting children in all environments remains critical.
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Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert, New Mexico, Crime, Albuquerque, Indictments, General news, Local News for Apple, NM State Wire, Sexual abuse, U.S. news, Law enforcement, Entertainment, Child abuse
