A shadow has fallen over a celebrated Hollywood career. Actor, producer, and director Timothy Busfield, a familiar face on television for decades, now faces deeply disturbing allegations.
A New Mexico grand jury has indicted the 68-year-old on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. The charges stem from incidents allegedly occurring on the set of “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, a project that has now become the focal point of a harrowing investigation.
Details emerging from court documents paint a disturbing picture. One young boy recounted to investigators a pattern of inappropriate touching, beginning when he was just seven years old. These alleged encounters, he stated, occurred repeatedly between scenes, spanning over a year.
Investigators also heard from a second child who reported similar unwanted contact with Busfield. While the specifics differed, the allegations add another layer of gravity to the case and underscore the seriousness of the accusations.
An arrest warrant was issued in January, and Busfield ultimately surrendered to authorities. However, his surrender was preceded by a defiant video statement, vehemently proclaiming his innocence and denouncing the claims as “horrible lies.”
Busfield’s attorney has dismissed the prosecution’s case as fundamentally weak, suggesting the grand jury indictment is easily obtained and doesn’t equate to proof of guilt. The defense argues significant flaws exist in the state’s evidence, questioning the motivations behind pursuing the charges.
For decades, Busfield has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, amassing an impressive resume that includes roles in iconic shows like “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething.” He even received an Emmy Award in 1991 for his work on the latter, a testament to his past achievements.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has stated that protecting children remains their highest priority, and the case will be handled by their Special Victims Unit. While the legal process unfolds, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over a career once defined by success and acclaim.
The District Attorney’s office has indicated that no further information will be released at this time, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those involved.