A state judge in New Mexico has dismissed all charges against actor Timothy Busfield, who faced four counts of criminal sexual contact involving a child. The decision came after the judge determined that the prosecution failed to conduct proceedings in a fair and impartial manner, identifying significant issues with how the case was presented to the grand jury.
Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, was indicted earlier in the year on allegations stemming from accusations brought by child actors he had worked with on the Fox series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as director and producer. The actor has consistently denied all allegations against him. According to court documents reviewed by news outlets, the charges alleged that between October 2022 and September 2023, Busfield engaged in inappropriate contact with one of the unnamed boys when the child was under age 13.
The district attorney’s office stated it is reviewing its options for how to proceed following the judge’s dismissal order. The office provided no immediate indication of whether it intends to refile charges or pursue alternative legal action. Busfield’s legal representatives noted that he had cooperated with authorities, including undergoing a polygraph examination that he reportedly passed, and submitted over 70 character reference letters in his defense.
According to arrest documents, prosecutors had alleged that Busfield groomed and sexually abused the children while working on the television series. The arrest warrant stated that the children’s parents claimed the boys referred to Busfield as “Uncle Tim” and that inappropriate contact had occurred over an extended period. Busfield’s defense team countered that the accusations were motivated by revenge after the children were dismissed from the show, an action that allegedly upset their mother.
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