Timothy Busfield is understood to have handed himself over to law enforcement officials in New Mexico on Tuesday after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor.
The 68-year-old Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role in The West Wing, recorded a video message for TMZ as he arrived to face the allegations.
"I will confront these lies," Busfield stated. "I did not do anything to those little boys."
The actor explained he received notification on Friday evening and immediately secured legal representation before driving approximately 2,000 miles to Albuquerque.
Timothy Busfield said he would fight the allegations
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"They're all lies, and I did not do anything," he declared. "I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I know I'm going to be exonerated."
The charges relate to allegations that Mr Busfield inappropriately touched two young brothers, who were seven years old at the time, whilst directing the television series The Cleaning Lady.
According to court documents, the alleged incidents took place between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the programme's set.
An investigation was launched in November 2024 after University of New Mexico Hospital staff contacted police with concerns about potential grooming behaviour at the studio.
Timothy Busfield in 1990
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The criminal complaint states Mr Busfield encouraged the children to address him as "Uncle Tim" and would tickle them on their stomach and legs despite their apparent discomfort.
In October 2025, one parent reported to Child Protective Services that their child had disclosed abuse.
The child subsequently told a therapist further claims about Mr Busfield.
Mr Busfield has maintained that the accusations stem from a vendetta orchestrated by the boys' parents after he declined to bring them back for further work on the programme.
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According to court documents, the alleged incidents took place between November 2022 and spring 2024 on the programme's set
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His civil lawyer Larry Stein reiterated this position to TMZ, claiming an actress from the production alleges the mother threatened to seek revenge following her sons' removal from the show.
During a police interview on November 3, 2025, Mr Busfield acknowledged having "playful" contact with the children but denied any wrongdoing. His wife Melissa Gilbert reportedly listened to the conversation via speakerphone.
Court records indicate Mr Busfield is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, with his initial court appearance scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 1:30pm.
Mr Busfield has been married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who found fame as a child star in Little House on the Prairie, since 2013.
Ms Gilbert became one of Hollywood's most influential figures, serving as Screen Actors Guild president from 2001 to 2005.
The arrest warrant revealed that Mr Busfield and Ms Gilbert maintained a relationship with the alleged victims' family beyond professional settings, attending social gatherings together and purchasing Christmas presents for the boys.
The couple marked their 12th wedding anniversary in April 2025, with Ms Gilbert describing their union as "perfect" in a social media post celebrating their partnership.
Ms Gilbert shared an image with her husband on social media in December 2025. Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, she subsequently removed her Instagram account.