ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor and director, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse related to alleged misconduct involving child actors during the filming of the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque police started its investigation of Busfield in November 2024 for a sexual abuse investigation. That response was to University of New Mexico Hospital, where staff told police it appeared the children were groomed, according to court documents.
It goes on to state the two children at UNMH said they did not disclose sexual contact at the hospital. However, they did state “Uncle Tim” would tickle them on the stomach and legs, despite not caring for the tickling.
In later conversations with interviewers, the children claimed being touched inappropriately on set by Busfield in their private areas over their clothing.
Busfield spoke with investigators in November, stating, “I don’t remember it… If it happened, I don’t remember… But it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.” He also mentioned that his family had bought the children Christmas gifts and saw them at social gatherings, claiming the boys’ mother sought revenge after the children were not brought back for a new season.
Multiple witnesses told police that the on-set special teacher assigned to watch the children would sometimes “lose sight” of them.
Warner Brothers conducted an investigation into the allegations but said the claims could not be substantiated, according to court documents.
The affidavit also notes that Busfield has faced sexual assault allegations in the past, in 1994 and 2012, with no charges filed in either case.
As of Friday evening, court records do not show that Busfield has been arrested.
Records indicate he has a residence in Albuquerque, but it is unclear if he lives there full-time.
Busfield has acted in “Field of Dreams,” “Little Big League,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Stripes,” “Striking Distance” and “Sneakers.”
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