Federal authorities have joined local law enforcement in the search for veteran actor and television director Timothy Busfield, days after an arrest warrant was issued accusing him of child sex abuse. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) confirmed that the U.S. Marshals Service is assisting in efforts to locate Busfield, who has not been taken into custody as of this writing. The case, which has drawn widespread media attention, involves allegations of inappropriate conduct with minor actors during the production of a television series.
Allegations and Legal Action
The arrest warrant for Busfield, 68, was issued on January 9, 2026, by the APD following a criminal complaint alleging misconduct with two 11-year-old twin boys who worked as child actors on the set of the Fox series The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield served both as a director and actor. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred over several years, beginning when one of the children was as young as 7 years old.
The warrant charges Busfield with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. According to court documents, the investigation began in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported concerns about potential abuse, prompting further inquiry. The minors’ mother later filed a police report in October 2025, leading to the warrant.
Law enforcement reports indicate that one of the children has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety stemming from the alleged incidents. Neither Busfield nor his representatives have publicly commented on the developments.
Federal Assistance and Search Status
In the days following the issuance of the warrant, the APD enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals Service, reflecting the difficulty authorities have faced in locating Busfield. A department spokesperson confirmed that the Marshals are working collaboratively with local officers to execute the warrant and take Busfield into custody.
Despite the federal involvement, Busfield’s whereabouts remain unknown at this time. Law enforcement officials have not released information suggesting any specific leads or locations. The APD and the Marshals Service have not issued detailed public statements beyond confirming their joint efforts.
Industry Response and Broader Context
The entertainment industry has reacted to the allegations and resulting law enforcement actions. NBC has removed an episode of Law & Order: SVU featuring Busfield from its schedule in the wake of the news, a move that underscores the sensitivity surrounding the charges. Warner Bros. Television, producer of The Cleaning Lady, stated that it conducted an internal review and is cooperating with authorities.
Busfield, an Emmy Award–winning actor and director, is widely known for his roles in The West Wing, Thirtysomething, and Field of Dreams, as well as his directorial work on various television projects. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who has reportedly deactivated her personal social media accounts amid the ongoing coverage.
