Ask Onix
Actor Timothy Busfield arrested on child sex abuse allegations
Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield appeared in court Wednesday after surrendering to authorities in Albuquerque on charges of sexually abusing two boys on the set of the Fox drama The Cleaning Lady, prosecutors announced.
Charges and initial court appearance
Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. A judge ordered him held in custody following his first court appearance. A bail hearing is scheduled for January 20 as the case moves to district court.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman told reporters Thursday that protecting the rights of all parties remains the priority. He encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
Allegations detailed in arrest warrant
Court documents allege Busfield groomed and sexually abused two boys while working as a director and executive producer on The Cleaning Lady. The boys, referred to as "Uncle Tim," told investigators Busfield frequently tickled them on the stomach and legs, with inappropriate touching escalating over several years.
One boy stated the abuse began when he was seven years old. He described being too frightened to speak out, fearing Busfield would become angry. The child later developed nightmares, bed-wetting issues, and was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety, according to the affidavit.
Busfield denies all accusations
Through his attorney Stanton "Larry" Stein, Busfield has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "completely false." Stein suggested the accusations stem from retaliation after the boys were dismissed from the series, which allegedly angered their mother.
"The claims being made against Tim are completely false, and we will fight this to the end until the truth prevails."
Stanton "Larry" Stein, Busfield's attorney
Stein added that a prior Warner Bros. investigation found no evidence supporting the allegations, noting the studio concluded Busfield was never alone with the boys.
Additional accusation surfaces
Prosecutors revealed a new allegation in a court filing opposing Busfield's immediate release. A father claimed Busfield kissed and groped his 16-year-old daughter during an audition at the B-Street Theatre in Sacramento, which Busfield co-founded. The incident allegedly occurred "several years ago."
The father told authorities Busfield later begged the family not to report the incident and agreed to attend therapy. Stein dismissed the new claim, stating Busfield passed a polygraph test and maintains his innocence.
Past allegations resurface
Court documents reference two prior sexual assault accusations against Busfield from the 1990s and 2012. Prosecutors cited these in arguing for his continued detention, alleging a "documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior."
Industry response and family statement
The Cleaning Lady producers Warner Bros. Television and Fox stated they are cooperating with law enforcement and prioritize the safety of cast and crew. A spokesperson for Busfield's wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, said she is not commenting publicly while supporting her husband and family during the legal process.
"She is honoring the request of Tim's lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. [...] Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time."
Ame Van Iden, Gilbert's publicist
