At a Glance
- U.S. Marshals are assisting Albuquerque police to locate actor-director Timothy Busfield after an arrest warrant was issued
- The warrant alleges Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys he met on a TV set
- Investigation began in November 2024 after a hospital alerted police; charges were filed in October 2025
- Why it matters: The case highlights delays in the justice system when physical evidence is absent
Albuquerque police and the U.S. Marshals Service are searching for actor-director Timothy Busfield after an arrest warrant accused him of sexually abusing twin boys he met while directing the FOX series The Cleaning Lady.
The Allegations
The warrant, obtained by News Of Losangeles, states that two 11-year-old twins were the subjects of sex crimes by Busfield. One minor told investigators the abuse began when he was 7 years old.
The boys’ parents told Officer Marvin Brown that their sons were child actors who met Busfield on the set of The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director from January 2022 until June 2025.
Key points from the warrant:
- The incidents allegedly occurred from November 2022 to Spring 2024
- A University of New Mexico Hospital doctor first alerted police in November 2024
- Hospital professionals told the parents the boys “were groomed”
- Authorities initially declined the case because no physical abuse was documented
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2022 | Alleged abuse begins, according to the victims’ mother |
| Spring 2024 | Alleged abuse ends |
| November 2024 | UNMH doctor contacts police; initial case declined |
| October 2025 | Mother files police report with Child Protective Services |
| Present | Arrest warrant issued; Busfield not yet located |
When News Of Losangeles asked whether Busfield had been located, detained, or arrested, an Albuquerque police spokesperson replied, “Not that I am aware.”
Busfield’s Response
During the investigation, Busfield allegedly told police that the parents were upset their sons had been replaced on the show by a younger actor who auditioned. Weeks later, Warner Bros. informed him they were investigating a complaint.
Busfield, 68, is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, 61. The couple wed in 2013.
Gilbert’s Social Media Post
Weeks before the warrant was issued, Gilbert posted about child sex abuse on social media. She shared a throwback photo of herself on Little House on the Prairie and reflected on filming with an older love interest. She did not allege any improper behavior by that actor. The post came after Megyn Kelly made comments about convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Next Steps
Albuquerque police confirmed to News Of Losangeles that they are actively working with the U.S. Marshals Service to locate and arrest Busfield. The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- A nationwide search is underway for Timothy Busfield after serious allegations from twin boy actors
- The case underscores challenges in prosecuting abuse claims without physical evidence
- Anyone with information should contact local authorities or the U.S. Marshals Service
