New Mexico Judge Dismisses Timothy Busfield Child Sex Abuse Indictment
State District Judge Joseph Montano dismissed the grand jury indictment against actor Timothy Busfield on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, citing prosecutorial misconduct.[1]
Montano found the prosecuting attorney failed to act in a fair and impartial manner and improperly instructed grand jurors, which prevented them from hearing witnesses who were present and willing to testify.[1] Bernalillo County District Attorney Greer Staley said prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue a new indictment.[1]
The indictment stemmed from allegations that Busfield touched twin boys over their clothing on the set of "The Cleaning Lady" in Albuquerque when the children were about 7 and 8 years old.[1] Busfield's defense said the boys initially told police he did not touch them inappropriately and that the parents coached later statements after the children lost roles on the show.[1]
The dismissal removes the active criminal case for now but leaves open the possibility that prosecutors could seek a new indictment, a decision the district attorney's office said it has not yet made.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 16, 2026, State District Judge Joseph Montano dismissed the grand jury indictment against actor Timothy Busfield in New Mexico.
- Montano found the prosecuting attorney failed to act in a fair and impartial manner and improperly instructed grand jurors, preventing them from hearing requested witnesses who were present and willing to testify.
- The indictment stemmed from allegations that Busfield touched twin boys over their clothing on the set of "The Cleaning Lady" in Albuquerque when the children were about 7 and 8 years old.
- Busfield’s defense argued that the boys initially told police he did not touch them inappropriately and that their parents coached later statements after the children lost roles on the show.
- Bernalillo County District Attorney Greer Staley said prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue a new indictment following the dismissal.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time