Emmy-winning actor and director Timothy Busfield, best known for his roles in Thirtysomething and The West Wing, pleaded not guilty on February 20 to four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor in a New Mexico court.

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The 68-year-old waived his arraignment and all pre-trial appearances, allowing the case to proceed toward trial without his physical presence at preliminary hearings.

The charges stem from allegations that Busfield, who directed episodes of the Fox series The Cleaning Lady (filmed in New Mexico), engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with two young child actors—brothers aged 7 and 8 at the time—on set multiple times between late 2022 and spring 2024.

Prosecutors accuse him of touching the children’s genitals and backside. Busfield has vehemently denied the claims, calling them “lies,” and his attorney stated the indictment was “not unexpected,” vowing to “fight these charges at every stage.”

A New Mexico grand jury indicted Busfield on February 6, superseding earlier felony complaints from January that included child abuse counts.

He was initially arrested on a warrant, briefly jailed in Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Detention Center, then released on his own recognizance. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has publicly supported him while describing the period as “extraordinarily difficult,” recently returning to work and social media with messages of resilience.

In a major development reported February 20, prosecutors expanded their witness list to potentially include several past accusers.

One alleges Busfield sexually assaulted her at age 16 during an audition at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California—co-founded by Busfield—about 25 years ago. Her father may also testify. The inclusion of prior allegations could significantly impact the trial if allowed under evidence rules.

The scandal has already affected Busfield’s career. His role in the upcoming Amazon MGM rom-com You Deserve Each Other was edited out following the initial charges in January 2026.

Busfield’s decades-long resume includes an Emmy for Thirtysomething (1991), recurring as White House reporter Danny Concannon on The West Wing, films like Field of Dreams (1989), and directing over 150 TV episodes (This Is Us, The Cleaning Lady, Chicago Med).

He co-founded acclaimed Sacramento theaters Fantasy Theatre and B Street Theatre, serving thousands of children and adults annually.

Busfield, married to Gilbert since 2013 and father to three children, has maintained a low profile amid the case. No trial date has been set, but the potential for explosive testimony from multiple accusers has intensified scrutiny. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

The case highlights ongoing industry conversations about child safety on sets. Supporters and critics alike await further developments as proceedings continue.