Judge dismisses child sexual abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield

A New Mexico judge dismissed an indictment against actor and director Timothy Busfield on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, according to CBS News, NBC News, and ABC News.

The dismissal was based on prosecutorial misconduct and errors that undermined the grand jury process, with Judge Joseph Montano ruling that the prosecutor failed to act fairly and impartially, including withholding witnesses requested by the grand jury.

Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations, describing them as lies motivated by revenge, and his attorney stated that witnesses ready to testify on his behalf were not allowed to do so, violating grand jury laws.

The charges stemmed from allegations during Busfield's time directing the TV series "The Cleaning Lady" between 2022 and 2024, involving claims from parents of twin boys who were let go from the show.

Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue another indictment, and the state remains free to institute new criminal proceedings against Busfield, according to the judge and statements from the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.