Timothy Busfield appears at the 2020 ABC Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo)
Actor Timothy Busfield, known for roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, has been indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. Prosecutors say the case stems from allegations connected to Busfield’s work as a director on the television series The Cleaning Lady. Busfield denies the accusations, and his legal team says he intends to challenge the charges in court.
Grand Jury Decision Moves Case Forward
The indictment was announced by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. A grand jury’s decision allows the legal process to proceed toward a potential trial without a preliminary evidentiary hearing. Busfield had previously turned himself in to authorities in January and was later released after a judge determined there was no demonstrated pattern of similar criminal conduct in his past.
While prosecutors sought additional charges related to alleged grooming behavior, Busfield’s defense attorney stated that the grand jury declined to pursue those claims. Prosecutors have not disclosed further details about what was presented during the proceedings.
Details From the Allegations
According to an initial criminal complaint filed by Albuquerque police, two boys reported incidents that allegedly occurred several years ago. One child claimed Busfield touched him over his clothing on separate occasions when he was seven and eight years old. The child’s twin later told investigators he experienced similar contact but initially remained silent out of fear of getting into trouble.
The indictment filed in state District Court reiterates allegations that Busfield “touched or applied force to the intimate parts” of one of the boys multiple times. Prosecutors say the evidence includes medical findings and testimony from a therapist involved in the children’s care.
Defense Pushes Back Strongly
Busfield’s legal team has denied wrongdoing and argued that the case contains significant inconsistencies. During a detention hearing last month, defense attorneys noted that the children initially told investigators there had been no inappropriate touching. They also alleged that the boys’ parents may have influenced later statements after the children reportedly lost acting roles connected to the show.
In a statement following the indictment, Busfield’s attorney said earlier hearings revealed serious weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. The defense maintains that the actor will “fight these charges at every stage” and is prepared to challenge the claims in open court.
Prosecutors Cite Witness Concerns
Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch has described the case as strong and detailed. She said witnesses expressed fears about possible professional consequences or retaliation, factors prosecutors believe influenced the timing and nature of the allegations. Authorities also referenced what they described as an abuse of power and grooming behavior over an extended period, though those broader claims were not included in the grand jury’s final charges.
Court Decisions and What Comes Next
When Busfield was released from custody earlier this year, District Court Judge David Murphy acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations but ruled that prosecutors had not demonstrated that the public would be unsafe if the actor remained free while awaiting trial. Busfield has continued to deny the allegations throughout the proceedings.
The indictment now sets the stage for the next phase of the legal process, including pretrial motions and eventual courtroom arguments. No trial date has been announced.
As the case moves forward, both sides are expected to present detailed evidence and testimony. The outcome will depend on judicial review and a full examination of the claims in court, where Busfield will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
