A judge in New Mexico has thrown out an accusation of criminal sexual contact with a child against actor Timothy Busfield from shows like “West Wing” and “Field of Dreams.” The judge cited errors and misconduct by prosecutors that undermined the grand jury process. Defense lawyers successfully argued for the charges to be dismissed, and Busfield has consistently denied the allegations, attributing them to revenge.
The incident in question occurred while Busfield was directing the TV series “The Cleaning Lady” between 2022 and 2024. The parents of two twin boys who were part of the show alleged that Busfield inappropriately touched their children on set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The criminal complaint stated that one of the boys reported instances where Busfield touched him inappropriately when he was seven and eight years old. The boy’s twin brother also claimed to have been touched but did not provide specific details.
Busfield voluntarily surrendered himself and was released on bail pending trial. Despite no previous allegations of misconduct involving children, a grand jury indictment was issued, accusing Busfield of multiple instances of inappropriate touching. His defense team highlighted inconsistencies in the children’s initial statements to the police and suggested that their parents influenced them after losing their roles on the show.
Busfield’s attorneys argued that prosecutors disregarded the lack of evidence and manipulated the grand jury proceedings to prevent key witnesses from testifying. The defense also presented Busfield’s emotional testimony, where he expressed how the accusations had devastated his life and career. He vehemently denied the allegations and asserted his innocence.
The possibility of a six-year prison sentence loomed over each count in the indictment, with the defense team pushing for its dismissal due to prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecutors did not immediately announce whether they would pursue a new indictment against Busfield.