Breaking: Arrest Warrant issued for Timothy Busfield in New Mexico Child-Abuse Probe
An arrest warrant has been issued for actor-director Timothy Busfield in New mexico as police pursue charges tied to alleged abuse of two minor boys. The warrant lists two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
Officials say the alleged acts involve two male child actors, with identities kept confidential to protect the victims. One of the alleged victims was seven years old when the claims of abuse began.
The case timeline shows investigators opened the inquiry on November 1, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted authorities that the youths showed signs of being groomed. The boys’ parents told an officer that they first met Busfield on the set of The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director on the Fox/Warner Bros. production.
As described in the arrest warrant, Busfield was reportedly referred to by the children as “Uncle Tim.” The parents said Busfield grew closer to the boys after he joined the show,which aired from january 2022 through June of the following year.
The document alleges that while the children had not disclosed sexual contact at the time,both boys later claimed that busfield tickled them on the stomach and legs and,in a separate account,that he touched the boy’s intimate areas over clothing on five to six occasions.
Therapy notes cited in the warrant indicated the affected child developed moderate post-traumatic stress and anxiety at age 10, with nightmares involving the director. The report also states that the boy described touching and rubbing his genitals on several occasions, which the boy said Busfield did in a way that appeared to cause him shame.
Background details in the warrant reveal the boy’s statements about busfield’s behavior on set and off set. The production’s environment, including Busfield’s relationship with the family and gift exchanges, is described as part of the context investigators used to assess possible grooming.
Busfield’s career spans major film and TV roles, including Field of Dreams and The West Wing, along with directing work on multiple projects. The warrant notes his long-standing professional ties and public profile in the industry.
The document also recounts Busfield’s statements to authorities about the alleged conduct, including that the parents “had a problem” with not being invited back for the next season and that he was informed Warner Bros. was investigating a complaint. He reportedly acknowledged occasions where he would engage in playful contact,while later insisting he could not recall overt tickling but wouldn’t rule it out.
Warner Bros. Television declined to comment beyond saying the health and safety of minors on productions is a priority and that the company cooperates with law enforcement.It remains unclear whether Busfield has been formally arrested in Albuquerque.
Should a conviction occur,Busfield could face a minimum sentence of three years in state prison.
Busfield’s credits span stage and screen, including pivotal roles in Field of Dreams and a long-running presence on The west Wing, as well as directing and acting on other Aaron Sorkin projects. He has appeared in studio projects and is slated for future releases alongside other notable actors.
Key Facts at a Glance
| item | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Timothy Busfield, actor-director |
| Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Investigation Start | 1 November 2024 |
| Arrest warrant | Issued by Officer Marvin Kirk Brown |
| Charges | Two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor; One count of child abuse |
| Alleged Victims | Two male child actors; one began abuse at age 7 |
| Set/Role | The Cleaning Lady; Busfield directed |
| Alleged Tactics | “Uncle Tim” nickname; grooming indicators; alleged inappropriate touching |
| Possible Penalty | Minimum three years in prison if convicted |
| Current Status | No confirmed public arrest information available |
| Background | Known for Field of Dreams, The West wing; extensive directing/acting work |
Context: Safeguarding minors on film and television sets remains a priority for industry and authorities. Experts urge robust protocols, vigilant supervision, and clear reporting channels to deter abuse. For more on safeguarding practices, see resources from major child-protection organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited children and the U.S. Department of Justice: MissingKids.org and Justice.gov.
Reader questions: What additional steps should creators implement to protect young performers on set? How can families and studios strengthen oversight to prevent grooming and abuse?
Disclaimer: This report concerns an ongoing legal matter. Allegations are not proof of guilt. all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven or else in court.
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