Actor Timothy Busfield Indicted on 4 Counts of Sexual Contact with a Child

The allegations are tied to Busfield's work as a director on the TV series 'The Cleaning Lady'.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in 'The West Wing' and 'Field of Dreams', has been indicted by a grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under age 13. The allegations are related to Busfield's work as a director on the TV series 'The Cleaning Lady' from 2022 to 2024. Busfield has denied the allegations and his attorney says he will 'fight these charges at every stage'.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and grooming behavior by entertainment industry figures in positions of authority over child actors. It also highlights the challenges of prosecuting such cases, with the initial police allegations facing scrutiny over the reliability of the children's statements.

The details

According to the indictment, Busfield is accused of touching the 'intimate parts' of two young boys, who were 7 and 8 years old at the time, while working on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady'. The boys initially told police that Busfield did not touch them inappropriately, but prosecutors allege their statements were later influenced by their parents. Busfield's attorney has accused the parents of coaching the children to make incriminating statements after the boys lost their roles on the show.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between 2022 and 2024 while Busfield was working as a director on 'The Cleaning Lady'.
  • Busfield turned himself in to authorities in January 2026 on related charges filed by police.
  • Busfield was released from jail in January 2026 by a judge who found no pattern of criminal conduct or similar allegations involving children in Busfield's past.

The players

Timothy Busfield

A veteran actor known for his roles in 'The West Wing' and 'Field of Dreams', who has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child under age 13.

Sam Bregman

The Bernalillo County District Attorney who announced the indictment against Busfield.

Larry Stein

The attorney representing Busfield, who says his client will 'fight these charges at every stage'.

Savannah Brandenburg-Koch

The Assistant District Attorney who called the evidence of abuse against Busfield 'strong and specific'.

David Murphy

The state District Court Judge who released Busfield on bail in January 2026, finding that prosecutors did not prove the public wouldn't be safe if he was released.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the State's case in open court.”

— Larry Stein, Attorney for Timothy Busfield (EastIdahoNews.com)

“While the crimes Busfield is accused of inherently are dangerous and involve children, prosecutors didn't prove the public wouldn't be safe if he's released.”

— David Murphy, State District Court Judge (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Busfield to remain free on bail as the case proceeds to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of prosecuting high-profile figures accused of sexual abuse, especially when the alleged victims are children. It raises questions about the power dynamics in the entertainment industry and the need for stronger safeguards to protect young actors.