Timothy Busfield has allegedly disappeared days after a warrant for his arrest was issued. The actor and director is accused of touching a minor inappropriately on the set of his new TV show. Federal authorities have reportedly joined the search for the missing West Wing star.
Timothy Busfield is being searched for by US Marshals
A spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department confirmed that US Marshals are trying to locate Timothy, according to Radar Online. He is set to be taken into custody on two charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place on the set of The Cleaning Lady, which he directs.
According to RO, two boys were allegedly groomed by the director, who reportedly told them to “call him uncle Tim.” The investigation was spurred by a report from a doctor, reports the publication. One of the boys allegedly claimed that Timothy inappropriately touched him when he was seven and eight years old. He reportedly told investigators he was too scared to report the abuse at the time, and was worried about “Tim” being mad at him.
Timothy allegedly told police in November that it was “highly likely” he’d had some type of “physical contact” with the minors. The affidavit notes the director said: “I don’t remember those boys. No, I don’t. I don’t actually, I don’t remember it, if it happened. I don’t remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn’t be uncommon for me,” per RO.
An Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson was asked if the director has been located or detained, to which they replied: “Not that I am aware.”
Timothy’s wife, popular actress Melissa Gilbert, has deleted her Instagram since the accusations became public.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault, help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or via rainn.org.
