US Marshals have been called into New Mexico to assist in the hunt for missing TV star Timothy Busfield, who has been accused of child sexual abuse crimes
The 68-year-old Emmy winner has been accused of sexually abusing two twin brothers during the shooting of a crime drama.
Police and federal agents searching for West Wing star Timothy Busfield
The allegations against the director, actor, and producer stem from the set of The Cleaning Lady, a crime drama that was shot between November 2022 and spring 2024.
Busfield has been accused of sexually abusing the two boys, who allegedly called him ‘Uncle Tim’ and were seven-years-old at the time.
Speaking to the Daily News on Monday from Albuquerque, a police spokesperson said: “We are working with the USM [US Marshals] to get him into custody.”
TMZ reported on Monday that no timeframe has so far been released by law enforcement for Busfield’s arrest, nor has any information on his potential whereabouts been provided.
According to local media in New Mexico, the abuse included - but was not limited to - tickling the young boys without consent.
Court documents also reveal claims that one of the boys alleged Busfield touched his ‘genitalia’ and ‘bottom’ while on the show, after which the document claims the boy experienced issues with bed-wetting, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, and anxiety
Last year, Busfield reportedly told investigators that he had no recollection of any inappropriate conduct on his part during the shoot, and said that the accusers’ mother might have been retaliating due to being upset that the boys were not asked to return once that season of the show had finished.
The alleged impropriety was brought to the attention of the authorities by staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
Busfield has been uncontactable since an arrest warrant was put out three days ago.
Fox and Warner Bros. have since released a statement to say they are cooperating with law enforcement.
It reads: “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions,
“We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate and, when needed, take appropriate action,
“We are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.”
Who is Timothy Busfield?
Timothy Busfield starred in The West Wing, as well as Thirtysomething, for which he won a Primetime Emmy in 1991, as well as featuring in popular films such as Field of Dreams.
He was born in Michigan in 1957, and has been married to fellow West Wing actor Melissa Gilbert since 2013.
Busfield has three children from previous relationships.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.