Actor Timothy Busfield, best known for his role on ‘The West Wing,’ has been released from jail pending trial on child sex abuse charges, a significant development in a high-profile case. He was seen publicly for the first time after his release, underscoring the ongoing legal proceedings.
On January 20, 2026, Judge David Murphy of the Second District Judicial Court in Albuquerque ordered Busfield’s release on his own recognizance. The actor had surrendered to authorities on January 13 and was held without bond. During a detention hearing, the judge cited Busfield’s lack of criminal history, compliance with court orders, and the current evidence, which he characterized as neutral.
The charges arise from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched child actors on the set of the television show ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ filmed in Albuquerque. Court documents indicate the alleged abuse began in 2022 when one child was seven years old and continued until 2024. Prosecutors assert the incidents occurred during production, but the specifics have been disputed.
Busfield’s defense team argues the allegations are false and retaliatory, stemming from parents’ anger after their children were cut from the show’s final season. They presented affidavits from set personnel and an independent investigation commissioned by Warner Bros., which failed to corroborate the victims’ accounts. Additionally, Busfield’s attorney noted he passed a polygraph test regarding the claims.
Prosecutors opposed the release, referencing another allegation from a 16-year-old who reported abuse from several years ago. However, the judge deemed these past allegations unvetted and assigned them minimal weight. The defense emphasized the absence of solid evidence and the risk of false accusations.
Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, attended the hearing and submitted a supportive letter, praising his character and his bond with her son. She was visibly emotional when the release was granted. Over 70 letters of support were filed, including from former co-stars and family members.
Following the ruling, Busfield was released and photographed on January 21 leaving a luxury Airbnb in New Mexico. TMZ reported he was picked up by a limousine with a legal team member, while Gilbert waved goodbye from the property. This sighting marked his first public appearance since his arrest.
The case continues with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 29, 2026. Busfield is barred from contacting the alleged victims or their families and must avoid unsupervised contact with minors. As he awaits trial outside of custody, the legal process will progress under intense media scrutiny.
