Actor and director Timothy Busfield, recognized for his portrayal of Danny Concannon on “The West Wing,” is facing serious legal challenges following the issuance of an arrest warrant in New Mexico. He is accused of charges involving criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse related to incidents that occurred on the set of “The Cleaning Lady,” a television series on which he both acted and directed.
According to the arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department, Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor alongside a child abuse charge. The investigation into these allegations began in November 2024 when a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital examined a young child and alerted authorities about suspected sexual abuse.
Details from the criminal complaint indicate that the alleged inappropriate behavior involved a child actor, reportedly occurring from November 2022 until the spring of 2024, when the child was just 7 years old. The victim’s parents informed investigators that their son and his twin brother had been engaging in child acting but did not initially report any incidents of sexual abuse. It wasn’t until the victim’s mother contacted child protective services that concerns about Busfield’s conduct were brought to light.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Busfield has denied the claims during interviews with investigators. Additionally, while Warner Bros. Television, the producer of “The Cleaning Lady,” previously conducted an independent investigation into the matter without finding supporting evidence, they expressed their commitment to cooperate with law enforcement regarding the ongoing case. A spokesperson from the company stated that they take allegations of misconduct seriously and have protocols for thorough investigations.
As of now, it’s unclear whether Busfield is in custody, and court records regarding any initial appearances or bond conditions are not yet available. This case is not only significant due to the accusations against a well-known figure in the entertainment industry but also raises crucial discussions about the safety and protection of child actors in Hollywood.
The situation remains fluid as authorities conduct their investigation, and updates are expected as legal proceedings advance.