Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield has been formally charged with the sexual abuse of two minors on the set of a television series. The 68-year-old, famous for roles in The West Wing and Thirtysomething, appeared in court remotely from jail on Wednesday 15th January 2026.
Serious Allegations and Court Appearance
Busfield is accused of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Prosecutors allege he groomed and sexually abused the two boys. The actor surrendered to Albuquerque Police Department on Tuesday 14th January, a day after an arrest warrant was issued. He was booked into the Bernalillo County jail, where he remains held without bond following a judge's order.
Busfield's Vehement Denial and Previous Statements
In a 45-second video posted online shortly before his surrender, Busfield called the allegations "lies" and stated, "I'm going to be exonerated. I know I am." He added, "I did not do anything to those little boys." However, in a sworn statement given to investigators in November, he acknowledged he may have had physical contact with the boys, such as tickling or picking them up, but insisted it was in a playful manner with others present. He suggested the claims were an act of revenge after producers decided to replace the children in the series.
A Storied Career and Personal Life
Timothy Busfield became a household name playing White House reporter Danny Concannon on the acclaimed series The West Wing from 1999 to 2006. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s drama Thirtysomething. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who gained fame as a child star in Little House on the Prairie. The case continues to develop, with his next court date yet to be announced.
