Child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield dismissed by judge

A New Mexico state court judge has dismissed child sexual abuse charges against West Wing actor Timothy Busfield, citing the prosecution's failure to act in a fair and impartial manner during grand jury proceedings. Prosecutors alleged that Busfield improperly touched two young boys, twin brothers, on the Albuquerque set of The Cleaning Lady over a two-year period when they were ages seven and eight.

The twins reported the alleged contact during breaks in production, leading prosecutors to file a four-count grand jury indictment in February. Busfield, 69, has consistently maintained his innocence, calling the allegations "lies" and his attorneys requested the charges be dismissed. In his ruling, Judge Joseph Montano found that the prosecution did not properly instruct the grand jurors on procedures for requesting testimony from additional witnesses, effectively preventing witnesses requested by the grand jurors from being called.

The second judicial district attorney office of New Mexico is currently evaluating its options regarding potential new charges against Busfield.