Judge throws out child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield

What the report says

A New Mexico judge has dismissed child sex abuse charges against Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield, according to BBC World News. State District Judge Joseph Montano ruled on Friday that problems in the way prosecutors presented the case meant the indictment could not stand, and said the prosecutor had not acted fairly and impartially.

Busfield, known for roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, had been indicted in February on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. The BBC reported that the allegations came from child actors who worked with him on the Fox series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as director and producer. Busfield has denied the accusations throughout the case.

The outlet said the judge’s decision was based on mistakes that undermined the grand jury process. The district attorney’s office said it is reviewing its next steps. Busfield had previously surrendered to authorities in January after a warrant was issued, and was later released pending trial.

The case drew attention because it involved a well-known performer and allegations tied to a television production set. For now, the dismissal means the criminal case has been thrown out, though the prosecutor’s office has not yet said whether it will seek to proceed in another way.