Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in “The West Wing” and “Field of Dreams,” has been indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. The charges stem from allegations of misconduct during his time directing episodes of the television series “The Cleaning Lady” between late 2022 and early 2024.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office announced the indictment on . According to prosecutors, Busfield allegedly abused two child actors, ages seven and eight at the time of the incidents. The case will be handled by the Special Victims Unit.
Busfield was initially arrested last month and subsequently released. The indictment follows a review of evidence presented to the grand jury. District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized the office’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring justice for victims, stating that protecting children remains a top priority.
The allegations center around interactions that occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” which filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While details of the alleged misconduct remain limited pending further legal proceedings, the charges suggest a pattern of inappropriate behavior.
Busfield, 68, has denied any wrongdoing, according to a criminal complaint. His attorney, Larry Stein, released a statement following the indictment, expressing concern over the District Attorney’s decision to proceed with the case. As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich. What is deeply concerning is that the District Attorney is choosing to proceed on a case that is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial,
Stein said. The detention hearing exposed fatal weaknesses in the State’s evidence — gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure.
He further asserted that the prosecution appears driven by something other than the facts or the law
and that Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State’s case in open court — where evidence matters — not behind closed doors.
The indictment comes after Busfield was removed from upcoming episodes of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” though the timing of that decision and its connection to the allegations in New Mexico were not immediately clear.
Busfield’s career spans decades, encompassing roles in both television and film. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Danny Concannon in “The West Wing,” a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. He also appeared in films such as “Field of Dreams,” “Sneakers,” and “Trading Places.” More recently, he has focused on directing, including work on “The Cleaning Lady.”
The case raises broader questions about power dynamics and safety on film and television sets, particularly concerning the protection of young performers. The entertainment industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent years regarding allegations of misconduct and the need for robust safeguards to prevent abuse.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has not announced a trial date. Busfield is expected to enter a plea at a future court hearing. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are likely to emerge as the case progresses. The charges against Busfield carry significant potential penalties if convicted, though the specific sentencing guidelines will depend on the details presented at trial.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
