Timothy Busfield Indicted on Child Sexual Contact Charges

Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, is facing serious allegations. A New Mexico grand jury has indicted him on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child, according to Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman’s announcement on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The charges stem from incidents allegedly occurring during Busfield’s time as a director on the television series The Cleaning Lady, between 2022 and 2024. The indictment alleges that Busfield “touched or applied force to the intimate parts” of one of the boys on multiple occasions.

This isn’t the first time these allegations have surfaced. Busfield initially turned himself in to authorities in January on related charges filed by police. However, he was released by a judge who found no prior pattern of similar conduct involving children. The grand jury indictment now allows the case to proceed toward a potential trial without a preliminary hearing to assess the evidence.

Larry Stein, Busfield’s attorney, stated that his client will “fight these charges at every stage” and looks forward to presenting his case in court. Stein also noted that the grand jury declined to endorse charges of grooming that prosecutors had sought. Prosecutors have not commented on the specific accusations presented to the grand jury.

The initial police complaint details allegations made by a boy who reported being touched inappropriately by Busfield over his clothing when he was seven and again when he was eight years old. The boy’s twin brother also came forward, stating he was touched by Busfield but delayed reporting it due to fear of repercussions, according to the complaint.

During a detention hearing last month, Busfield’s legal team raised questions about the initial statements made by the children to police. They argued that the boys initially denied inappropriate contact and suggested that their parents may have influenced their later statements after the children lost roles on The Cleaning Lady. Assistant District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch countered these claims, asserting that the evidence of abuse is strong, specific and supported by medical findings and the boys’ therapist. She also highlighted concerns about potential retaliation and professional harm to witnesses.

Prosecutors have reportedly outlined a pattern of alleged grooming behavior and abuse of power by Busfield spanning three decades. Each count in the indictment carries a potential prison sentence of up to six years, which could be enhanced if the charges are deemed to involve a sexual offense.

The judge who granted Busfield’s release in January, David Murphy, acknowledged the serious nature of the allegations but stated that prosecutors had not sufficiently demonstrated that Busfield posed a danger to the public if released.

Busfield’s career spans several decades, with notable appearances in television and film. Beyond The West Wing and Field of Dreams, he is also known for his work on Thirtysomething. The unfolding legal proceedings are likely to have a significant impact on his career and reputation.

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