‘West Wing’ actor Timothy Busfield accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor

Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant for Emmy Award-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.

According to a criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department, a child reported that Busfield touched him inappropriately on multiple occasions. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a television series Busfield both directed and appeared in.

The child reportedly said the first incident occurred when he was seven years old, claiming Busfield touched him three or four times. He alleged that Busfield touched him again five or six times when he was eight.

The complaint states that the child’s mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, saying it took place between November 2022 and spring 2024.

Warrant issued, no public response yet

A judge signed the arrest warrant on Friday, listing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.

Busfield’s attorney and agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The child, identified only by initials in court documents, has reportedly been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented that he had nightmares about the alleged incidents and would wake up frightened.

According to the complaint, the child said he was afraid to speak up because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get angry with him.

How the investigation began

The investigation reportedly began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted authorities. The child’s parents had taken him there following advice from a law firm.

The Cleaning Lady aired for four seasons on Fox and ended in 2025. It starred Élodie Yung as a Cambodian doctor who becomes entangled in organised crime after witnessing a mob killing.

Warner Bros., which produced the show, reportedly conducted its own internal investigation but said it was unable to corroborate the allegations, according to the complaint.

Who is Timothy Busfield?

Busfield is known for his roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething, the latter earning him an Emmy Award in 1991 for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series.

He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert. Her publicist did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case remains under investigation.