2:21 PM PT — We just obtained Timothy’s mugshot … and he’s mostly expressionless.
12:47 PM PT — Attorney Christina McGovern tells TMZ … “I conducted an independent and thorough investigation of all allegations known to the Studio at the time. Warner Bros. gave me full discretion as to my investigation. Based on what was alleged, and all evidence gathered, including multiple witness statements, I found no corroborating evidence that Mr. Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct or that he was ever alone with the twins on set.”
Timothy Busfield just surrendered to law enforcement in New Mexico after an arrest warrant was issued earlier this month and prosecutors charged him with child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor … but he made it clear to TMZ — he says he’s innocent.
TMZ obtained video of Busfield at his lawyer’s office in Albuquerque, shortly before turning himself in. He made it clear … he will “confront these lies,” adding, “I did not do anything to those little boys.”
As we reported … the award-winning film and TV actor and director was accused of sexually abusing two boys who were child actors on “The Cleaning Lady” while he was directing the show in 2022 in New Mexico. At the time, prosecutors say, the child actors were 7 and 8 at the times of the alleged contact, and their parents reported the alleged crimes to the Albuquerque police two years later, leading to a criminal investigation.
Busfield’s civil lawyer, Larry Stein, tells TMZ … he believes there is a revenge factor at work. He points to the criminal complaint, which essentially says an actress on set claims that the mother of both boys told her she vowed to get revenge after her sons were cut from the final season of the show.
Stein says Warner Bros. initiated an independent investigation — using an outside law firm — and the investigator interviewed approximately a dozen people, and concluded the evidence did not support the allegations.
An arrest warrant was issued Friday, and, as we first reported, the U.S. Marshals Service got involved earlier this week, assisting New Mexico authorities in locating Timothy.
NBC was set to air an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” this week that featured Timothy … but it’s been shelved.
Timothy is best known for his roles in “The West Wing,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Thirtysomething,” and “Field of Dreams.”
Warner Bros. Television said in a statement to TMZ … “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have processes in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate and take appropriate action. We are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in a timely manner.”
