New Mexico Judge Dismisses Timothy Busfield Abuse Charges, Citing Grand Jury Flaws in 2026 Case
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 16
New Mexico Judge Dismisses Timothy Busfield Abuse Charges, Citing Grand Jury Flaws in 2026 Case
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 16
Summary
A New Mexico judge on Friday threw out child sexual abuse charges against actor-director Timothy Busfield after finding defects in how prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury.
Judge Joseph Montano wrote that the prosecutor failed to act fairly and impartially, including by not properly instructing grand jurors on procedures for calling additional witnesses.
Busfield, who had denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty after the February indictment, said through his lawyer that he was relieved and prepared to defend himself again if charges are refiled.
The local district attorney’s office said it is weighing its next steps, including the option of taking the case to a new grand jury.
The allegations stem from the New Mexico set of Fox crime drama “The Cleaning Lady,” which Busfield began directing in 2022.