Timothy Busfield Faces New Sexual Abuse Accusation, Appears in New Mexico Court
Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield made his first appearance in a New Mexico court on Wednesday, as prosecutors detailed a new sexual abuse accusation against him. The 68-year-old actor has been charged with two felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, allegedly for inappropriately touching two child actors while working as a director and executive producer on the Fox drama “The Cleaning Lady,” which was filmed in Albuquerque.
Busfield was held without bond pending a hearing on a motion for pretrial detention. In the motion, prosecutors argued that Busfield should be jailed pending trial due to a “sustained pattern of predatory conduct” that dates back to at least 1994. That year, a 17-year-old extra on the film “Little Big League” accused Busfield of sexually assaulting her in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, which was later settled privately.
Additional Allegations Emerge
A man named Colin Swift reported to law enforcement on Tuesday that Busfield had sexually abused his then-16-year-old daughter during an audition at B Street Theatre in Sacramento. Swift alleged that Busfield begged the family not to report the abuse to law enforcement if he received therapy, and they initially agreed. No charges have been filed against Busfield in connection with this incident.
Busfield founded B Street Theatre as a touring company called Theatre for Children Inc. in 1986. Although he is listed as an emeritus board member, he has not participated in the organization since 2001, and the incident recently reported to police is alleged to have taken place there about 25 years ago. The theater has retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation.
Prosecutors Allege Pattern of Abuse
Prosecutors allege that Busfield’s conduct “reflects a calculated pattern of grooming, lack of boundaries, and exploitation of professional authority to gain access to minors.” Witnesses have said they fear retaliation and career harm for speaking out against him, demonstrating “how individuals in positions of power are able to silence victims and witnesses, allowing abuse to persist unchecked.”
A representative for Busfield could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Stanton “Larry” Stein, previously stated that the actor is innocent and “determined to clear his name.” Stein also referenced an affidavit in which Busfield suggested that the child actors’ mother might have sought “revenge” on the director for “not bringing her kids back for the final season.”
Busfield turned himself in on Tuesday, which prosecutors allege was five days after he knew a judge had issued a warrant for his arrest. During that time, Busfield traveled from New York to New Mexico to avoid the extradition process and surrender at a convenient time.
Previous Allegations
Busfield was also accused of battery in March 2012 by a 28-year-old woman who said he sexually assaulted her in a Los Angeles movie theater, but prosecutors declined to file charges due to “slim evidence.” The actor, known for his work on television series “The West Wing” and “Thirtysomething,” has denied all allegations against him.
A hearing on the motion for pretrial detention will be scheduled in 2nd Judicial District Court in Albuquerque within the next five business days. Busfield remains in jail pending the hearing.
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