Judge Throws Out Child Sex Abuse Indictment Against Actor Timothy Busfield After Finding Prosecutorial Misconduct

NEW MEXICO — A judge has dismissed a grand jury indictment against actor aJudge Throws Out Child Sex Abuse Indictment Against Actor Timothy Busfield After Finding Prosecutorial Misconductnd director Timothy Busfield, marking a major development in a criminal case involving allegations of inappropriate contact with child actors on a television set.

The ruling, issued Friday, October 16, 2026, found serious problems with how prosecutors handled the grand jury proceedings. However, the decision does not prevent authorities from pursuing new charges.

Four Criminal Charges Dismissed

Busfield, 69, known for his appearances in The West Wing, Thirtysomething and Field of Dreams, had been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.

The allegations involved two young brothers who appeared in the television series The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield worked on as a director and actor.

Busfield has consistently denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.

Judge Identifies Problems with Grand Jury Proceedings

State District Judge Joseph Montano granted a defense motion to dismiss the indictment after examining how prosecutors presented the case to the grand jury.

The judge determined that prosecutors had failed to act fairly and impartially, particularly when explaining the legal procedures for requesting additional witnesses.

According to the ruling, grand jurors had repeatedly asked to hear from witnesses, but the instructions they received effectively prevented that testimony from being presented.

The court concluded that these procedural failures compromised the integrity of the grand jury process.

Defense Welcomes the Decision

Busfield’s legal team argued that witnesses who could provide information favorable to the defense had been available to testify but were not permitted to appear before the grand jury.

Following the ruling, his attorney said the actor was relieved and grateful.

The defense maintains that Busfield is innocent and has challenged the allegations throughout the proceedings.

Could Prosecutors Bring the Case Again?

The dismissal does not amount to an acquittal or a determination that the underlying allegations are false.

The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said it was reviewing its options following the decision.

Prosecutors may seek a new indictment through a properly conducted grand jury process, although no final decision to do so had been announced at the time of reporting.

What Happens Next?

The ruling leaves the future of the case uncertain. A jury trial had previously been scheduled for May 2027, but the dismissal changes the immediate legal situation.

For now, the central development is the court’s finding that procedural violations prevented the existing indictment from standing.

Busfield continues to deny the allegations, and any future criminal proceedings would remain subject to the presumption of innocence.

Sources: Associated Press, CBS News and Los Angeles Times, October 16, 2026.