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Timothy Busfield surrendered to law enforcement in New Mexico on Tuesday. This action follows an arrest warrant charging him with child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor.
Before turning himself in, the actor and director spoke with reporters at his lawyer's office in Albuquerque.
He stated firmly that he did not commit the alleged acts and plans to fight the accusations in court.
Police released a mugshot of the actor shortly after his surrender, showing him with a neutral expression.
The charges stem from accusations involving two young brothers who worked as child actors on the series The Cleaning Lady.
Prosecutors allege that the incidents occurred in 2022 when the boys were seven and eight years old. Busfield served as a director on the production at that time.
The parents of the children reported the alleged crimes to the Albuquerque police two years later, which sparked the recent criminal investigation and the subsequent warrant for his arrest.
Busfield’s legal team suggests that the allegations are motivated by a desire for revenge.
His attorney, Larry Stein, pointed to details in the criminal complaint suggesting the children's mother vowed to retaliate after her sons were cut from the show's final season.
Furthermore, an independent investigator hired by Warner Bros. stated that they found no corroborating evidence of inappropriate conduct.
This investigation included interviews with approximately a dozen people who were on the set during the time in question.
Warner Bros. Television issued a statement emphasizing that the safety of minors is their top priority and that they take all misconduct allegations seriously.
In response to the legal developments, NBC has decided to shelf an upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU that featured Busfield.
The actor is well-known for his long career in Hollywood, including roles in Field of Dreams and The West Wing.
As the legal case moves forward, Busfield remains committed to clearing his name and challenging the state's evidence.
