Judge Tosses Child Sex Abuse Indictment Against 'West Wing' Actor

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A New Mexico judge has dismissed a child sex abuse indictment against Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield, finding that prosecutors engaged in misconduct that undermined the grand jury proceedings.

State District Judge Joseph Montano issued the ruling Friday, tossing four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 against the 69-year-old actor, known for his roles on "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething."

The judge found that prosecutors improperly prevented grand jurors from hearing testimony from witnesses who were available and willing to testify, despite repeated requests from the jurors, Court TV reported.

The case stemmed from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched two young twin actors on the New Mexico set of the Fox TV series "The Cleaning Lady," which he directed from 2022 to 2024.

According to a criminal complaint filed in January, an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department said a boy reported that Busfield touched him on his private areas over his clothing on one occasion when he was 7 years old and another time when he was 8. The boy’s twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield, but he did not specify where and didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to get in trouble, the complaint said.

Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming the boys' parents were seeking revenge after their children lost their roles on the show.

Busfield turned himself in to Albuquerque police in January after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was later released from jail pending trial.

In June, his attorneys moved to dismiss the indictment, accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence from the grand jury.

The dismissal does not necessarily end the criminal case. Montano's ruling allows prosecutors to seek another indictment if they follow proper grand jury procedures, Court TV reported.

Prosecutors told the Associated Press on Friday that they had not yet decided whether to pursue another indictment.

Busfield's attorney said her client was "relieved and grateful" after learning of the decision.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.