Arrest Warrant Issued for Well-Known Michigan Actor on Child Abuse Charges

Authorities in New Mexico have issued an arrest warrant in a child sex abuse case involving a prominent television actor and director with ties to Michigan.

Child Abuse Warrant Filed in New Mexico

The warrant, filed Jan. 9 by the Albuquerque Police Department, accuses 68-year-old Timothy Busfield of two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.

Timothy Busfield - Michigan Roots and Career Background

Busfield is a Michigan native who was born in Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School in 1975. He and his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, were longtime Michigan residents before relocating to Sullivan County, New York, in 2018.

According to court documents, the allegations stem from Busfield’s time directing episodes of the Fox drama The Cleaning Lady. Investigators say two 11-year-old twin boys — both child actors on the series — accused him of inappropriate touching that allegedly began when one of the siblings was as young as 7. A physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital first alerted police to potential grooming behavior in late 2024, with the case formally pursued following additional disclosures in 2025.

The warrant alleges Busfield asked the children to call him “Uncle Tim” and describes repeated inappropriate physical contact involving “private areas.” Court records state one of the boys has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Busfield is best known for his work in television, including a long-running role on Thirtysomething and appearances on popular series such as The West Wing, ER, and Designated Survivor. He has also worked extensively as a director on television and film projects over several decades.