Timothy Busfield: New Mexico judge dismisses child abuse charges

A New Mexico judge has dismissed the child sexual abuse indictment against actor and director Timothy Busfield, citing prosecutorial misconduct and procedural errors during grand jury proceedings. State District Judge Joseph Montano ruled that prosecutors failed to act in a fair and impartial manner, specifically by providing improper instructions to the grand jury regarding the summoning of additional witnesses.

The charges, which included four felony counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor, stemmed from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched two young twin actors while directing the television series ‘The Cleaning Lady’ in Albuquerque between 2022 and 2024. Busfield has consistently denied all allegations, characterizing them as lies motivated by revenge following the children’s departure from the production.

While the current indictment has been quashed, Judge Montano noted that the prosecution retains the right to seek a new indictment. The District Attorney’s office is currently evaluating its legal options. Following the ruling, Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, expressed support for him on social media.