Judge dismisses Timothy Busfield child abuse indictment

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 22:50 · Archive

A New Mexico judge has dismissed an indictment against actor Timothy Busfield on child sexual abuse charges.

State District Judge Joseph Montano granted a defence motion to dismiss the indictment against Timothy Busfield, known for roles in "The West Wing" and "Field of Dreams". The judge cited prosecutorial misconduct and errors in the grand jury process. The New York Post reports that prosecutors said Friday they were reviewing the decision and had not yet decided whether to pursue another indictment.

The case stems from Busfield's work directing the TV series "The Cleaning Lady" from 2022 to 2024. The parents of two twin boys who were let go from the show claimed that Busfield inappropriately touched the children on set in Albuquerque. According to a criminal complaint, one boy reported that Busfield touched him on his private areas over his clothing on two occasions when the boy was 7 and 8 years old. The boy's twin brother also told authorities he was touched by Busfield.

Busfield turned himself in and was released from jail pending trial. Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations, describing them as lies motivated by revenge. The grand jury indictment had allowed the case to proceed without a preliminary hearing on evidence.

How it is being reported

• Judge dismisses child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy BusfieldA judge dismissed child sex abuse charges against Timothy Busfield because, he said, prosecutors "failed to act in a fair and impartial manner."UPI · 16 Oct, 23:37
• Timothy Busfield’s child sex abuse charges dismissed by judgeALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico judge has dismissed an indictment against “West Wing” and “Field of Dreams” actor Timothy Busfield that accused him of criminal sexual contact with a child, citing prosecutorial misconduct and errors that undermined the grand jury process. State District Judge Joseph Montano granted a defense motion to toss the charges in a...New York Post · 16 Oct, 22:30
• Judge tosses Timothy Busfield's indictment on child sex abuse chargesDistrict Court Judge Joseph Montano granted Busfield's motion to throw out the grand jury indictment on Friday. Prosecutors can refile.Fox News · 16 Oct, 21:52

In this story: Timothy Busfield · Joseph Montano · New Mexico · Albuquerque · The Cleaning Lady

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