UPDATE: Timothy Busfield, the renowned actor from “The West Wing,” has been indicted on serious child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the indictment by a grand jury on Thursday, January 11, 2024, following a criminal complaint that accuses Busfield of abusing twin boys over a two-year period during the filming of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady.”
Busfield, 68, surrendered to authorities on January 13 after facing accusations that he sexually abused the boys when they were just seven or eight years old. The boys, now 11, were reportedly victims during the production in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city.
The indictment includes four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, which is classified as a third-degree felony in New Mexico. Although the charges were not made public until now, the district attorney’s original complaint stated that Busfield, who served as an executive producer and directed some episodes, abused the children while working on the show.
In a video recorded prior to his surrender, Busfield vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “lies” and expressing confidence that he would be vindicated. However, a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence for pre-trial detention, allowing Busfield to be released from jail about a week later.
As of now, Busfield has not responded to requests for comment, and his defense attorney, Christopher Dodd, has also not provided any statements regarding the indictment.
Busfield is widely recognized for his roles in prime-time television, particularly as a White House reporter on NBC’s political drama “The West Wing,” which aired from 1999 to 2006. He is also known for his part as an advertising executive in the 1980s hit series “Thirtysomething.” Notably, he is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who previously served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
The case is being watched closely due to its serious implications for the entertainment industry and the ongoing dialogue about child safety in media productions. As developments unfold, the public will be keenly interested in the legal proceedings and any further statements from involved parties.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, underscoring the gravity of such allegations and the impact they have on young victims.
This is a developing story, and more updates will be provided as they become available. Readers are encouraged to share this urgent news as it highlights significant issues surrounding child welfare and accountability in the entertainment sector.
