US News
New Mexico judge tosses charges against Timothy Busfield, citing prosecutorial misconduct
CBS News reports a New Mexico judge dismissed the indictment against Busfield, who denies the allegations; prosecutors have not decided on a new indictment.
The short version
- A New Mexico judge dismissed the indictment charging actor Timothy Busfield with criminal sexual contact with a child, citing prosecutorial misconduct.[CBS News]
- Parents of twin boys who were let go from 'The Cleaning Lady' alleged Busfield inappropriately touched the children on set; Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations.[CBS News]
- Prosecutors have not decided whether to seek a new indictment, so the case's future remains unresolved.[CBS News]
Key facts
- New Mexico State District Judge Joseph Montano granted a defense motion to dismiss the indictment against actor Timothy Busfield.[CBS News]
- Montano ruled that the prosecuting attorney failed to act fairly and impartially, including by improperly instructing the grand jury on calling witnesses.[CBS News]
- The case stems from Busfield's work directing the TV series 'The Cleaning Lady' from 2022 to 2024, and the parents of two twin boys who were let go from the show alleged he inappropriately touched the children on the Albuquerque set.[CBS News]
- According to a January criminal complaint, a boy reported that Busfield touched him over his clothing at ages 7 and 8, and his twin brother told authorities he was also touched without specifying where.[CBS News]
- Busfield's attorney Amber Fayerberg said he was relieved and grateful, and that the court viewed the prosecution's handling of witnesses as a violation of grand jury laws.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.