Actor Timothy Busfield, known for his role in 'The West Wing' and for being married to actress Melissa Gilbert, faces criminal charges in New Mexico for alleged acts of sexual abuse against two minors. According to a court order obtained and reviewed by Entertainment Weekly and other media outlets, Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. The alleged incidents involve twin brothers, child actors who worked with Busfield on the Fox series 'The Cleaning Lady'. In the document, Albuquerque Police Officer Marvin Brown details the allegations: one of the minors claimed that Busfield rubbed his genitals and touched his buttocks on set, while the other alleged inappropriate touching. The investigation was formally launched after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital requested an inquiry on November 1, 2024. According to the warrant, the children's mother stated that the abuse allegedly occurred between the fall of 2022 and the spring of 2024. One of the minors reported the incidents to his counselor in September 2025. The Allegations In statements collected in the warrant, one of the children told a forensic interviewer that Busfield touched his "private areas" between taking on two occasions, when he was 7 and 8 years old. The other child mentioned that Busfield “started touching them during the first two years,” adding that he “didn't like being touched.” The children's mother also alleged that, although the crew initially provided iPads to parents to supervise the children during filming, this policy ended after Busfield joined as director. In response to these allegations, Warner Bros. Television, the studio that produced 'The Cleaning Lady', issued a statement: “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of children on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously… We are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and have cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the authorities.” According to the warrant, when Officer Brown interviewed Busfield, the actor and director denied remembering the specific incidents.Regarding protocols for touching children on set, Busfield stated, “It is not allowed at all.” There's no protocol... I don't remember those kids... If it happened, I don't remember... but it wouldn't be unusual for me. criminal charges.

Busfield directed six episodes of 'The Cleaning Lady' as of 2022, executive produced 14 episodes, and acted in one. Fox canceled the series in June 2025.

One of the minors involved has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and reports having nightmares related to the alleged abuse.

The investigation is ongoing.