Timothy Busfield Faces Arrest on Sexual Misconduct Charges Involving a Minor
Timothy Busfield is confronting two charges related to sexual misconduct involving a minor.
A warrant for his arrest, obtained by Us Weekly, was issued by authorities in New Mexico on Friday, January 9, following allegations from a young actor who claimed the performer and director engaged in inappropriate physical contact. Variety was the first news outlet to report this development.
An affidavit from the Albuquerque Police Department, reviewed by Us on Friday, was submitted by an investigator to substantiate the accusations.
According to the legal paperwork, the alleged incidents involved a child actor and occurred on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady. Busfield was directing the series while the accuser and his twin brother were working as child actors on the project, which broadcast on Fox from 2022 to 2025.
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In the complaint, the young individual stated that the initial instance of improper touching of his “private areas” happened when he was 7 years old. The child accused Busfield of touching him on three or four occasions, as detailed in the documents.
When the child was 8, Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times during a separate occurrence.
The affidavit indicated that the boy “felt extremely frightened of Tim and was relieved when he wasn’t present on set.”
The boy also expressed that “he was hesitant to inform anyone because Tim held the position of director, and he worried that Tim would become angry with him.”
The child’s mother reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services, stating that it took place between late 2022 and the latter half of 2024, according to the complaint.
The legal document reveals that the child has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety as a result of these incidents.
The document also noted that the West Wing actor spoke with police by phone regarding the accusations against him in November 2025 and was questioned about whether he had any “physical contact” with the children, such as lifting them or playfully touching them.
“Timothy stated that it was quite probable that he would have,” the affidavit stated, adding that he described the set as a “lively and informal atmosphere.” The document said that Busfield added that there “would never be a strange or uncomfortable moment about it” and that any contact would be “within view of the parents.”
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The Emmy award winner later clarified during the police conversation that he did not specifically remember picking up the boys at any point.
“I don’t recall those boys,” he said, according to the affidavit. “No, I don’t. I don’t actually, I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember deliberately tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be unusual for me.”
Us has reached out to Busfield’s representatives for a statement.
The Cleaning Lady, which starred Elodie Yung, aired for four seasons on Fox before concluding in 2025.
Yung portrayed a Cambodian physician in the series. The show followed her character after she arrived in the U.S. seeking medical treatment for her son, only to inadvertently witness a mob killing. The doctor subsequently became a cleaner for organized crime.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
