Timothy Busfield turns himself in as mugshot is released and allegations emerge

Timothy Busfield’s mugshot was released after he surrendered to police, as allegations and denials continue to unfold

A mugshot of actor Timothy Busfield has been released following his surrender to authorities, as serious allegations involving child sexual abuse continue to draw widespread attention. The image was issued by Bernalillo County’s Metropolitan Detention Center after Busfield turned himself in earlier this week, a development that has intensified public scrutiny surrounding the case.

Busfield, best known for his work on The West Wing and other long running television projects, is facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. According to the arrest warrant, the allegations relate to two 11 year old boys whose identities have not been made public. The actor has strongly denied all claims against him.

Shortly before his surrender, Busfield appeared in a video in which he insisted the accusations were false. In the clip, he said he had driven thousands of miles to confront what he described as lies, adding that he was confident he would be exonerated. His comments circulated rapidly online following the release of his mugshot, with reactions ranging from shock to disbelief.

Court documents allege the boys met Busfield while he was working as a director on a television production. Investigators claim he became close to the children over an extended period, though earlier reports did not initially meet the threshold for action. The case was later revisited after further disclosures were reportedly made to a counsellor and to authorities.

Busfield has suggested the accusations stem from conflict related to casting decisions on the show, a claim referenced in the warrant. He also acknowledged that playful physical contact such as tickling may have occurred, while maintaining that nothing inappropriate ever took place and that he followed on set protocols.

The situation has also placed renewed focus on his family. A representative for Busfield’s wife, actor Melissa Gilbert, said she is not making public statements at this time and warned against false or AI generated claims circulating online. The statement added that her priority is supporting her family while the legal process unfolds.