Federal authorities have escalated their search for a veteran television actor after New Mexico officials issued an arrest warrant on serious child abuse allegations.
Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in major productions spanning four decades, is now the subject of a manhunt involving the US Marshals Service.
The 68-year-old actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
The Albuquerque Police Department confirmed Monday that investigators are collaborating with federal marshals to locate and arrest Busfield, reported Deadline.
Department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos stated authorities have not provided a timeline for the actor’s apprehension.
According to an arrest warrant issued Friday, the allegations stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in 2024 while Busfield was directing episodes of the Fox television series “The Cleaning Lady.”
The warrant details accusations involving twin boys who were 11 years old at the time.
Court documents reveal that one alleged victim told investigators the inappropriate conduct began when he and his brother were just 7 years old.
The claims suggest a pattern of behavior spanning several years.
The investigation first launched in November 2024 after medical professionals at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported suspected sexual abuse and grooming to law enforcement.
A doctor at the facility contacted police with concerns about the minors.
Initial reports indicate the Albuquerque Police Department did not immediately pursue charges.
However, the case was reportedly reopened in September 2025 following new disclosures from one of the children to his counselor and pediatrician.
According to the affidavit, the child told medical professionals that Busfield “touched him on his penis and bottom.”
The allegations prompted authorities to revisit the investigation and ultimately seek criminal charges.
The arrest warrant also alleges Busfield instructed the children to refer to him as “Uncle Tim.”
Documents state he allegedly tickled the boys on their stomachs and legs during interactions on the television production set.
Busfield reportedly communicated with investigators by telephone in November, acknowledging it was “highly likely” he had “physical contact” with the twins during filming.
His statements to police are included in court documents.
“I don’t remember those boys,” Busfield reportedly told investigators, according to the affidavit.
“No, I don’t. I don’t actually, I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me.”
During the same conversation with law enforcement, Busfield allegedly claimed that Elodie Yung, the lead actress on “The Cleaning Lady,” informed him the boys’ mother was seeking “revenge” because her sons were not asked to return for the show’s final season.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to bring Busfield into custody.
No additional details about the case have been released by investigators.
Busfield has accumulated more than 700 credits throughout his career as an actor, producer, and director across television and film projects.
His notable work includes playing a major role across multiple seasons of the acclaimed political drama “The West Wing.”
The actor married Melissa Gilbert, famous for her starring role in “Little House on the Prairie,” in 2013. The couple does not have children together.
