News Desk: A New Mexico judge has dismissed the indictment against actor Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, over allegations of criminal sexual contact with children. The judge cited prosecutorial misconduct and procedural errors that undermined the grand jury process.
State District Judge Joseph Montano granted the defence’s request to dismiss the charges in a decision released on Friday.
Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations, describing them as false and motivated by revenge. His attorney, Amanda Fayerberg, said the actor was relieved and grateful following the court’s decision.
Prosecutors said they had not yet decided whether to seek another indictment.
How the Case Began
The case relates to Busfield’s work directing the television series The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque between 2022 and 2024. The parents of twin boys who were later removed from the show alleged that the actor had inappropriately touched their children on set.
According to a criminal complaint filed in January, one boy told investigators that Busfield had touched his private areas over his clothing on two occasions, when he was seven and eight years old. His twin brother also alleged inappropriate touching, although he did not specify where he had been touched.
Busfield surrendered to authorities and was subsequently released from jail while awaiting trial. A grand jury later indicted him, allowing the case to proceed without a preliminary hearing on the evidence.
The actor’s lawyers argued that the children had initially told police that he had not touched them inappropriately. They also accused the boys’ parents of coaching them after the children lost their roles on the television production. These claims remain allegations made by the defence.
Judge Cites Problems With Grand Jury Process
In June, Busfield’s lawyers formally sought dismissal of the indictment, arguing that prosecutors had failed to ensure the grand jury heard relevant witness testimony.
During a September hearing, Fayerberg played recordings in which grand jurors reportedly asked to hear from additional witnesses. She argued that prosecutors had wrongly indicated that subpoenas were necessary, despite the witnesses being available and willing to testify.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Greer Staley disputed the defence’s arguments, maintaining that the lawyers had not followed the correct procedure for submitting evidence. Prosecutors also accused Busfield of attempting excessively to influence the grand jury during his testimony.
What Happens Next?
The dismissal means the current indictment has been thrown out, but it does not establish whether the underlying allegations are true or false.
Busfield’s lawyer said the actor was prepared to face further proceedings if prosecutors decided to pursue another indictment.
The prosecution has not yet announced whether it will bring the case again, leaving the legal proceedings potentially unresolved.
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