Timothy Busfield, a well-known actor, has recently turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico following the issuance of a warrant related to child abuse allegations, according to reports.
Busfield faces accusations of inappropriate conduct involving two young actors on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” where he held roles as both director and executive producer. This show aired from January 2022 through June 2025.
In a conversation with TMZ, Busfield strongly denied the allegations, asserting his intention to “fight these falsehoods.”
He stated emphatically, “I did not do anything to those little boys.”
The investigation into these claims began in late 2024 when a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital informed the police about suspected sexual abuse. The brothers, who are young actors, were brought to the hospital after their father became aware of circulating rumors that Timothy had behaved inappropriately with women.
Details from the arrest warrant, as reported by KOAT, indicate that the 68-year-old actor allegedly asked the children, identified as VL and SL, now aged 11, to refer to him as “Uncle Tim.” The boys described Busfield’s actions as tickling their stomachs and legs, though they did not report these incidents as sexual. Their mother later revealed that one of the boys confided in his counselor about inappropriate touching by Busfield.
Speaking with investigators last year, Busfield said he did not remember touching the children inappropriately. He also claimed the children’s mother could be seeking revenge because they decided against bringing the boys back for another season.
NBC has since pulled an episode of “Law & Order SVU” featuring Busfield. Titled “Corrosive,” it was supposed to air on Thursday, Variety reported. Instead, the next episode, which was initially scheduled for January 22, will take its place.
Busfield, best known for roles in “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” previously guest starred on the hit crime show in 2011 and directed two episodes in 2019. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who has two children from previous marriages.
