On January 9, 2026, authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Busfield, the Emmy Award-winning actor and director best known for his roles in Thirtysomething, The West Wing, and Field of Dreams. The warrant stems from serious allegations of child sex abuse involving two minor boys (twin brothers born in 2014) who worked as child actors on the set of the Fox series The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield directed and occasionally acted in. The show, produced by Warner Bros., ran from 2022 to 2025.
Note: These are allegations at this stage. Busfield has not been arrested as of the latest reports, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No official statement from Busfield, his representatives, or his wife Melissa Gilbert has been issued regarding the charges as of January 10, 2026.
The Allegations in Detail
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed by Albuquerque Police Detective Marvin Kirk Brown, the alleged incidents occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024 while the boys were aged 7 and 8.
- One of the boys reported to investigators that Busfield touched his “private areas” (described by the child as “poop” and “pee” areas) over his clothing on multiple occasions.
- The first alleged incident occurred when the boy was 7 years old (three or four times), and a second when he was 8 (five or six times).
- The children reportedly referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim,” and he allegedly grew closer to them on set.
- The affidavit notes the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, with documented nightmares and fear related to Busfield.
The investigation began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police to potential sexual abuse. Initial interviews with the boys did not disclose sexual contact, but they mentioned Busfield tickling them on the stomach and legs. The case escalated in September 2025 when one boy reported the touching to his counselor and pediatrician. In October 2025, the mother filed a report with Child Protective Services, alleging sexual abuse disclosures from both children.
Warner Bros. conducted an internal investigation in 2025 following an anonymous SAG-AFTRA complaint about a separate incident (allegedly involving Busfield kissing a minor boy in a hair and makeup trailer in December 2024). The external probe reportedly could not substantiate the claims, and Busfield was exonerated internally. However, the police affidavit criticizes Warner Bros. for making information difficult to obtain.
Busfield spoke to police by phone in November 2025, acknowledging it was “highly likely” he picked up and tickled the boys but denying overt inappropriate contact. He suggested the accusations might stem from revenge by the boys’ mother after their children were not brought back for the show’s final season, citing information from lead actress Elodie Yung.
Charges and Potential Consequences
Busfield faces:
- Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor (involving a child under 13, a felony in New Mexico).
- One count of child abuse.
If convicted, penalties could include significant prison time (minimum three years, potentially more for crimes involving children under 13). The warrant remains active, with police seeking Busfield’s surrender.
Timothy Busfield’s Career Highlights
Born June 12, 1957, in Lansing, Michigan, Busfield is an acclaimed actor and director:
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1991 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Thirtysomething (as Elliot Weston).
- Iconic roles include Danny Concannon in The West Wing, Mark in Field of Dreams (1989), and Poindexter in Revenge of the Nerds (1984).
- Directed episodes of shows like Sports Night, Ed, and The Cleaning Lady.
- Founded Theatre for Children, Inc., and co-founded the B Street Theatre in Sacramento.
- Inducted into the Sacramento Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024 for his semi-pro pitching career.
Personal Life: Marriages, Children, and Relationship History
Busfield has been married three times and has three biological children from prior relationships:
- First marriage (1982–1986): To actress/director Radha Delamarter; one son (Wilson/Willy).
- Second marriage (1988–2008): To fashion designer Jennifer Merwin; two children (Daisy and Samuel).
- Current marriage (since April 24, 2013): To actress Melissa Gilbert (known for Little House on the Prairie). They met in 2012, married in a private ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, and have described their relationship as “perfect” and drama-free. The couple has no children together but shares a blended family, including Gilbert’s two sons (Dakota and Michael) from previous marriages. They lived in Michigan and New York, focusing on a simple life in the Catskills.
Prior to the current case, Busfield faced uncharged sexual assault allegations in 1994 (from a 17-year-old extra on Little Big League) and 2012, both settled or dropped without prosecution.
Current Status and Reactions
As of January 10, 2026, the story has broken across major outlets (Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, ABC News, People, TMZ), sparking widespread discussion on social media. Public reactions range from shock and calls for accountability to sympathy for Busfield’s family, including Gilbert. The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety on film sets.
This situation is developing rapidly. If new statements, arrests, or court updates emerge, they could change the narrative. For support related to child abuse concerns, contact resources like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
This article compiles verified details from multiple credible sources for informational purposes. Always refer to official court records for the most accurate legal status.
