UPDATE: Timothy Busfield, the renowned actor from “The West Wing,” has been indicted on serious child abuse charges by a New Mexico grand jury. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office confirmed the indictment on January 13, 2023, following allegations of abusing twin boys during the production of the Fox series, “The Cleaning Lady.”
This urgent news comes as Busfield faces four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child, classified as a third-degree felony in New Mexico. The indictment stems from accusations that the abuse took place while filming in Albuquerque, when the boys were just seven or eight years old. They are now 11.
Busfield, who is 68, surrendered to authorities after the criminal complaint was filed by District Attorney Sam Bregman. In a video recorded prior to his arrest, he vehemently denied the charges, calling them “lies” and expressing confidence in his eventual exoneration.
A judge ordered Busfield’s release from jail about a week later, citing insufficient evidence for pre-trial detention. His defense attorney, Christopher Dodd, has not publicly commented on the case, leaving many questions unanswered.
The grand jury’s decision to indict Busfield came after careful consideration of the evidence presented. Although the indictment was not publicly available on the morning of January 13, the original complaint detailed the alleged incidents that occurred during the filming of “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield served as both an executive producer and director.
Busfield is well known for his influential roles in prime-time television, particularly as a White House reporter in “The West Wing” from 1999 to 2006 and as an advertising agency executive in the 1980s series “Thirtysomething.” He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.
As this case unfolds, it underscores the serious implications of child abuse allegations in the entertainment industry. The public is urged to stay tuned for further developments in this critical situation.
What happens next? A trial date has yet to be set, but the legal proceedings will be closely monitored as both sides prepare for upcoming hearings. The impact of these allegations not only affects the victims but also raises broader questions about accountability in Hollywood.
Stay updated for breaking news and further details as this story develops.
