In brief
A state district judge in New Mexico has thrown out the child‑sex‑abuse indictment against actor Tim Busfield, citing flawed prosecutorial conduct. Busfield had been charged with four counts of criminal sexual contact after allegations surfaced from former child actors on the TV series "The Cleaning Lady." The claim that Busfield groomed and touched minors was dismissed after the judge determined the grand jury process was compromised. District Attorney officials are reviewing next steps. The case had seen the actor surrender to authorities in January, but he was released pending trial.
Judge Dismisses Child Abuse Charges Against Tim Busfield
Albuquerque, NM – On Friday, District Judge Joseph Montano ruled that the indictment against actor and director Tim Busfield should be thrown out, saying prosecutors failed to act fairly and impartially.
Busfield, known for his roles in "West Wing" and "Field of Dreams," had been charged in February with four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. The accusations stemmed from allegations made by child actors on his 2026 TV series "The Cleaning Lady," where he served as director and producer.
The judge noted mistakes that undermined the grand jury process. Consequently, the indictment was dismissed, but the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney in Bernalillo County has said it will evaluate how to proceed.
Busfield had originally been taken into custody in January on two counts of criminal sexual contact and one count of child abuse, after a warrant was issued alleging he had groomed and physically touched the youngsters. He surrendered to state authorities and was later released pending trial.
Defense lawyers presented more than 70 letters of support and a polygraph test affirming his innocence. They argue the accusations are retaliatory, following the actors’ dismissal from the show.
Source: BBC News
