US Marshals join search for Timothy Busfield over child sex abuse charges

US Marshals Service Seeks Timothy Busfield in Child Abuse Case

The US Marshals Service is searching for Timothy Busfield after a warrant was issued for his arrest in New Mexico. This is in connection with child sex abuse charges.

The Albuquerque Police Department confirmed that its investigators are collaborating with the US Marshals Service to locate the “West Wing” actor and take him into custody.

“Albuquerque Police Department is working with the US Marshal Service to get Mr. Busfield into custody,” said department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos on Monday.

Details of the Charges

Busfield, 68, is wanted on two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. He allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old twins while directing the Fox show “The Cleaning Lady” in 2024, according to an arrest warrant issued on Friday.

One alleged victim claimed the incidents began when he and his brother were 7 years old, as stated in the affidavit.

The investigation started in November 2024 when a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported suspected sexual abuse and grooming involving the minors.

Reopening of the Case

Initially, the APD declined to press charges against Busfield. However, the case was reopened in September 2025 after one child informed his counselor and pediatrician that Busfield “touched him on his penis and bottom,” according to the affidavit.

The “Revenge of the Nerds” star allegedly told the children to call him “Uncle Tim” and tickled them on their stomachs and legs.

Busfield’s Response

Busfield reportedly spoke to investigators by phone in November. He said it was “highly likely” he had “physical contact” with the twins while filming “The Cleaning Lady.”

“I don’t remember those boys,” he stated. “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 police interview, Busfield claimed that Elodie Yung, the lead actress on “The Cleaning Lady,” told him the twins’ mother was seeking “revenge” because the boys were not invited back for the show’s final season.

Current Status

The allegations are still under investigation. Busfield has over 700 combined credits as an actor, producer, and director in TV and film. He is known for his major role in several seasons of “The West Wing.”

Busfield married “Little House on the Prairie” star Melissa Gilbert in 2013. The couple has no children.

In November, Gilbert posted on Instagram against child sex abuse after Megyn Kelly commented on convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gilbert, 61, is not accused of any wrongdoing.