The New Mexico warrant cites two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse tied to alleged on-set conduct.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Authorities in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant Friday for actor and director Timothy Busfield, alleging he inappropriately touched two child actors during production of a television series filmed in Albuquerque. The warrant lists two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
The case centers on work performed for the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield served as a director and producer. Police say the investigation began after medical professionals and the children’s family reported concerns, prompting interviews and a review of production timelines. As of Sunday, no arrest had been announced. Busfield, 68, denies wrongdoing through statements to investigators, while the studio behind the series says it is cooperating with law enforcement. The warrant outlines allegations spanning multiple dates, placing the case in early charging stages as detectives seek to take the actor into custody and prosecutors evaluate evidence.
According to the criminal complaint and arrest affidavit summarized by police, the alleged incidents occurred between 2022 and 2024 while the series was shooting in Albuquerque. Investigators say the boys—11-year-old twins who appeared on the show—described separate encounters, including one allegation of genital contact and another of touching the buttocks during interactions tied to filming days. The children’s mother told police she initially raised concerns after one son disclosed details to a counselor; a physician later made a report to authorities, triggering formal interviews with the family. In a recorded interview described in the filing, one child said the unwanted touching began when he was younger and persisted over months tied to set visits and rehearsals.
Warner Bros. Television, which produces the series, said it is cooperating with the investigation and emphasized its safety policies for casts and crews. The warrant notes that detectives collected call logs, text messages and schedule information to place the actor and the children at the same locations on specific dates. It also references a studio safety briefing and parental presence rules common to productions with minors. The family told police they socialized with Busfield and his wife off set, and that gifts were exchanged during a holiday season gathering, details investigators included as part of the relationship timeline. The filing says the boys described nightmares and anxiety; one was evaluated for trauma symptoms. Police have not disclosed any physical evidence beyond interviews and records, and they say no other victims have been identified.
Busfield, known for “Thirtysomething,” “Field of Dreams” and his turn as Danny Concannon on “The West Wing,” is a longtime television director. He and his representatives have not issued a detailed public statement beyond denying improper conduct to investigators, according to the warrant summary. The document also cites earlier, unrelated accusations against Busfield that did not result in criminal charges, including a 1990s civil matter and a 2012 groping allegation that he has disputed. Those prior claims are described in the warrant as context records and are not part of the current charges in New Mexico. The production at issue, “The Cleaning Lady,” has filmed in and around Albuquerque for multiple seasons, drawing on local crews and child performers under state permitting rules.
New Mexico’s criminal sexual contact of a minor statute covers intentional touching of intimate parts and can be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances. The arrest warrant authorizes police to take Busfield into custody and bring him before a judge for a first appearance, where conditions of release could be set. If arrested outside New Mexico, the process could involve an extradition hearing. Prosecutors would then decide whether to pursue an indictment through a grand jury or a preliminary hearing in state court. As of Sunday, court records did not list an arraignment date. Police said the investigation remains open, and they asked anyone with information about the case to contact detectives.
On the ground in Albuquerque, the case has drawn attention from film workers and parents who frequent sets with minors. Outside a studio lot entrance on Saturday, crew members described standard protocols that require guardians to remain within sight of minors and designate a teacher-welfare worker on days with child performers. “You build the day around the kids’ needs and always keep a parent right there,” said a veteran assistant director who was not involved in the series but works regularly on local shoots. A neighbor near one filming location said officers knocked on doors this weekend asking for security camera footage from certain dates last year. Police declined to comment on any video evidence, citing the active case.
Authorities say the warrant remains active statewide and that updates will follow if Busfield is booked into the Bernalillo County jail. Studio officials said production safety reviews are routine after such allegations and that cooperation with detectives is ongoing. The investigation’s next visible step would be a booking and first court appearance, which could occur early this week if the actor surrenders or is located by officers. As of late Sunday, no hearing had been scheduled, and police said they would release additional details after an arrest or formal court filing.
Author note: Last updated January 11, 2026.