In brief
A New Mexico district judge thrown out four criminal sexual contact charges against actor Timothy Busfield after a defense petition highlighted procedural errors and evidence of possible prosecutor bias. Busfield, known for roles on "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams", had been accused of grooming and touching minor actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady." The dismissal followed the submission of over 70 supportive letters and a polygraph test, and the prosecutor’s failure to act fairly. The district attorney’s office will decide if it wants to pursue the case further while Busfield has been released on bail. The ruling highlights the legal complexities that can overturn serious accusations even when initial indictments are filed.
A New Mexico District Judge on Friday threw out four criminal sexual contact charges filed against Emmy‑winning actor Timothy Busfield, citing procedural errors and prosecutorial conduct that “failed to act in a fair and impartial manner.”
Busfield, known for roles in "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams", was indicted in February on accusations that he groomed and inappropriately touched minor actors on the set of the Fox series "The Cleaning Lady."
The dismissal came after the defense presented a petition plus over 70 letters of endorsement and a polygraph test that supported Busfield’s denial. Prosecutors had alleged the boys referred to him as "Uncle Tim" and claimed he "would tickle them" before later admitting improper contact.
The county district attorney’s office said it will weigh options on how to proceed, while Busfield has been released on bail after surrendering following a warrant issued in January.
Law‑and‑order experts say cases of this nature often involve complex legal and evidentiary disputes, and that the judge’s decision does not necessarily mean the allegations are unfounded.
