ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico judge has dismissed a grand jury indictment against actor Timothy Busfield, ruling that prosecutors failed to conduct the proceedings in a fair and impartial manner.
State District Judge Joseph Montano issued the ruling Friday, throwing out an indictment that accused Busfield of criminal sexual contact involving a child. Busfield, best known for his work on The West Wing and Thirtysomething, has repeatedly denied the allegations.
The case stemmed from accusations involving child actors on the television series The Cleaning Lady, which filmed in Albuquerque. Prosecutors alleged Busfield inappropriately touched one of the children during production.
In his ruling, Montano found that prosecutors improperly handled requests by grand jurors to hear from additional witnesses. According to court findings, several witnesses were available to testify but were not called before the grand jury.
Busfield’s attorneys argued that prosecutors withheld testimony that could have supported his defense. Following the ruling, Busfield’s legal team said he was relieved and grateful for the court’s decision.
The dismissal does not necessarily end the case. Prosecutors say they are reviewing the ruling and have not yet decided whether to seek a new indictment.
