Feds join search for Emmy winner Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News on Jan 13, 2026

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The U.S.Marshals Service is assisting local authorities in New Mexico in their search for “West Wing” and “Thirtysomething” star Timothy Busfield, who’s been accused of sexual misconduct involving children.

The 68-year-old director and producer is accused of sexually abusing twin brothers on the set of the crime drama “The Cleaning Lady” between November 2022 and the spring of 2024.

One of the victims said the abuse committed by “Uncle Tim” began when the boys were 7 years old.

“We are working with the USM to get him into custody,” police in Albuquerque told the Daily News Monday.

News of federal involvement was first reported by TMZ, which reported Monday night that law enforcement hasn’t provided a timeline for an arrest or information about the 68-year-old actor’s location.

The alleged misconduct included tickling the boys without consent, according to New Mexico station KOAT.

Busfield reportedly told investigators last year that he had no recollection of inappropriate behavior on his part, and suggested his accusers’ mom may be upset her boys were not asked to return to the show when the season they shot concluded.

Busfield married “Little House on the Prairie” star Melissa Gilbert in 2013. She told People from the pair’s home in the Catskills in 2023 that being a grandparent with Busfield is “heavenly.”

University of New Mexico Hospital staffers alerted authorities about the possible impropriety.

“The Cleaning Lady” began airing on Fox in 2022 and was canceled in June.