> At a Glance
> – Timothy Busfield, Emmy-winning actor-director, wanted on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
> – Alleged abuse began when child was 7; incidents spanned Nov 2022-spring 2024 on set of The Cleaning Lady
> – Child diagnosed with PTSD; Warner Bros. internal probe found no corroboration
> – Why it matters: Arrest warrant signals criminal case moving forward despite studio’s inconclusive inquiry
New Mexico authorities issued an arrest warrant Friday for Timothy Busfield after an Albuquerque police investigator filed a criminal complaint detailing alleged on-set abuse of a minor.
The Allegations
The complaint states the child, identified only by initials, told investigators Busfield touched him inappropriately three to four times at age seven and five to six times at age eight during production of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady.
The boy’s mother reported the incidents to Child Protective Services, alleging the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024.
- First incident: child was 7 years old
- Second incident: child was 8 years old
- Location: The Cleaning Lady set
Impact on the Child
A social worker documented the child’s statements:
> “He has had nightmares about Busfield touching him and woken up scared.”
The child feared retaliation because Busfield was the director, according to the complaint. Medical professionals at University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police in November 2024 after the family sought legal advice.
Studio and Legal Response
Warner Bros., the show’s producer, conducted its own investigation but could not corroborate the allegations, the complaint notes.
Busfield’s attorney and agent did not respond to email requests for comment late Friday. His wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, also did not reply via her publicist.
| Party | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque PD | Filed criminal complaint | Arrest warrant signed |
| Warner Bros. | Internal investigation | No corroboration found |
| Child’s family | Reported to CPS | Triggered police probe |
Career Background
Busfield won an Emmy in 1991 for Thirtysomething and is known for roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams. The Cleaning Lady aired four seasons on Fox through 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Warrant charges two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor
- Alleged abuse happened on set while Busfield directed and acted
- Child’s PTSD diagnosis cited in complaint
- Studio probe did not validate claims; criminal case proceeds independently
The warrant marks a significant escalation as law enforcement takes the case beyond the studio’s internal review.
