U.S. Marshals Join Manhunt for Actor Timothy Busfield After Child Sex Abuse Charges, Warrant Issued in New Mexico
WASHINGTON, D.C. / ALBUQUERQUE — Federal and local authorities have launched an active and escalating manhunt for Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, after a judge in New Mexico issued an arrest warrant this week citing child sex abuse and child abuse charges involving minors from a television set. As the celebrated veteran remains at large, the U.S. Marshals Service has joined the effort to locate and apprehend him, marking a rare instance in Hollywood where a prolific performer is being sought on such serious allegations. Busfield, 68, who also has substantial directing credits and over 700 combined TV and film roles, has not been taken into custody, and his exact whereabouts are unknown as of this report. Law enforcement has been unable to locate him since the New Mexico arrest warrant was filed on Jan. 9, intensifying public concern and media scrutiny around both the allegations and the search deployment.
Arrest Warrant Details and Allegations of Abuse
According to court documents supporting the arrest warrant in Albuquerque, Busfield faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges stem from accusations made by the mother of two 11-year-old twin boys, who were child actors on the set of the Fox crime drama The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield worked as both a director and actor. The criminal complaint states that inappropriate touching incidents allegedly occurred during production of The Cleaning Lady, a series that aired on Fox from 2022 to 2025. One of the children said the first incident happened when he was 7 years old, and reported that Busfield touched him on multiple occasions. The other child also indicated similar inappropriate contact, according to the police affidavit. Law enforcement records show the investigation began in November 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported concerns that children might have been groomed while working on set. Initially, local police took no action, but in October 2025, the boys’ mother formally contacted Child Protective Services and the Albuquerque Police Department with detailed accounts, triggering the more serious phase of the investigation that led to this week’s arrest warrant. Busfield’s attorneys and public representatives have not publicly responded to repeated requests for comment. In a November phone conversation with police officers referenced in court filings, Busfield reportedly said he did not clearly remember the boys and suggested that his interactions could have included innocuous contact like “tickling,” and implied the claims might be motivated by “revenge” over casting decisions — assertions that investigators have not verified.
U.S. Marshals Join the Search, Actor at Large
With Busfield’s location unknown, the U.S. Marshals Service has stepped in to assist the Albuquerque Police Department, underscoring the seriousness of the search and the potential flight risk authorities believe he might represent. Officials have said the actor could be anywhere in the country, and they are urging the public not to approach him if spotted. Instead, anyone with information is being encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Marshals Service directly. This effort places Busfield among a small number of high-profile figures in recent years for whom federal resources have been mobilized to assist local police in locating individuals wanted on felony charges. The Marshals Service is routinely involved in manhunts for fugitives, particularly where child protection and interstate flight risks are concerned.
Network Pulls “Law & Order: SVU” Episode Featuring Busfield
As the criminal case unfolds, NBC — the network that airs Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — has pulled an upcoming episode in which Busfield was set to appear as a guest star. The episode, originally slated for broadcast in mid-January, was removed from the schedule and replaced with a different installment, in light of the charges and ongoing investigation. Industry insiders say this is not an uncommon media response when actors become embroiled in criminal allegations, especially when the charges involve minors. Public backlash and concerns about reputational harm often prompt networks and streaming platforms to remove content featuring individuals facing serious legal trouble.
Accusations Include Alleged Grooming and Psychological Impact
The police affidavit and complaint contain troubling details about the nature of the alleged contact. The twin boys, identified only by initials in court documents to protect their privacy, described being encouraged to call Busfield “Uncle Tim.” They detailed a pattern of alleged misconduct that went beyond simple on-set interactions, including unwanted touching that reportedly occurred over an extended period. A social worker consulted during the investigation told police that one of the children had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, citing nightmares and fear linked to the alleged abuse. According to the complaint, the child felt unable to speak up at the time because of Busfield’s authority on set and his presumed influence over his career. These psychological impacts — especially the diagnosis of PTSD — have become central aspects of prosecutors’ arguments that the case represents serious harm to vulnerable children. Prosecutors will likely highlight these elements if the case proceeds to trial.
Broad Industry and Public Reactions
The entertainment industry has responded with a mix of caution and concern as the case develops. The Cleaning Lady’s production company, Warner Bros. Television, affirmed it cooperated with law enforcement during the earlier portion of the investigation, but noted that internal investigations had not corroborated the allegations at that time.
Meanwhile, fans and critics have taken to social media to express shock and outrage — both at the allegations and at Busfield’s refusal to surrender himself. Some have called for swift justice and accountability, while others have urged caution and due process, emphasizing that an arrest warrant does not constitute a conviction. (Multiple sources)
Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, known for her long career in television and film, deleted her public social media accounts amid the controversy, sparking speculation about the personal toll these developments are having on his family.
Legal Stakes and Next Steps
If apprehended and convicted on the current charges, Busfield could face significant prison time and the requirement to register as a sex offender, penalties that reflect the gravity of the allegations and the age of the alleged victims. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting children and bringing alleged offenders to justice. At present, investigators with the Albuquerque Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service continue to track leads, canvass areas where Busfield was last seen, and work with media outlets to disseminate his image and name to find him quickly. As the case progresses, prosecutors are preparing for possible grand jury actions, additional charges, and eventual courtroom proceedings once Busfield is taken into custody.
