Federal authorities are now assisting in the search for actor and director Timothy Busfield, a well-known Emmy winner best recognized for his role on The West Wing. A warrant has been issued for Busfield’s arrest in New Mexico, where he faces two counts of criminal sexual contact involving a minor and one count of child abuse. As of the latest update from the Albuquerque Police Department, Busfield has not yet been located or taken into custody, prompting the involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The investigation began in November 2024 after hospital staff at the University of New Mexico contacted law enforcement with concerns about two 11-year-old twin boys who were working as child actors on the television show The Cleaning Lady. Busfield served as a director on the series. Early concerns centered on potential grooming behavior, which later escalated into far more serious allegations.
According to court documents, the alleged conduct occurred over an extended period, between late 2022 and the spring of 2024. Investigators claim Busfield developed a close relationship with the boys while on set, encouraging them to call him “Uncle Tim.” He and his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, allegedly gave the children gifts and spent time with them outside of normal professional boundaries. Authorities say Busfield also engaged in physical behavior that made the children uncomfortable, even after they expressed dislike.
While no formal allegations were made initially, the case took a significant turn in 2025 when one parent reported that her child disclosed inappropriate behavior by Busfield. One of the boys later told investigators that the conduct began when he was very young and continued on more than one occasion. The child reportedly said he was afraid to tell anyone at the time because Busfield was the director and he feared getting into trouble.
Investigators interviewed therapists and medical professionals involved in the children’s care. According to the affidavit, one child later experienced anxiety, nightmares, and behavioral issues, and was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. The complaint also references alleged incidents in shared work spaces on set and claims that photographic evidence exists showing Busfield engaging in overly familiar physical contact with minor boys.
Busfield has denied the allegations, reportedly telling investigators that the parents were motivated by anger after their children were not asked to return for a later season of the show. He also stated that he did not specifically remember some of the behavior described, though he claimed certain actions would not have been unusual for him.
Warner Bros. and Fox confirmed that they conducted an internal investigation after receiving an anonymous tip through the SAG-AFTRA hotline in early 2025. The studios said they did not find evidence supporting the claims at that time. However, both companies have since stated they are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the criminal case proceeds.
Adding another layer to the situation, Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilbert, appears to have removed her social media accounts following news of the charges. This development has drawn attention given that she previously spoke publicly about the importance of protecting children in the entertainment industry and reflected on her own experiences as a young actress.
As authorities continue searching for Busfield, the case has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. It has reignited long-standing concerns about safeguards for child actors, accountability for those in positions of authority, and whether existing systems are truly sufficient to prevent abuse.
For now, the focus remains on locating Busfield and allowing the legal process to move forward. The allegations alone have already left a lasting impact, raising difficult but necessary conversations about responsibility, oversight, and the protection of minors in the entertainment world.
