Theater Where Timothy Busfield Allegedly Abused Girl, 16, Confirms 2001 ‘Internal Investigation,’ Says He Hasn’t Been ‘Involved’ in 25 Years

Background on Allegations Against Timothy Busfield at B Street Theatre

Timothy Busfield, a well-known actor and director, recently faced serious allegations involving the sexual abuse of minors. Among these accusations is a claim that he sexually abused a 16-year-old girl at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, approximately 25 years ago. This revelation came to light during a pretrial motion related to separate charges filed against Busfield in New Mexico.

Busfield was charged on January 13, 2026, with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, linked to incidents involving two 11-year-old boys he met while working on the television series The Cleaning Lady. However, the pretrial documents also referenced the earlier allegation involving the teenage girl at the California theater.

B Street Theatre’s Response and 2001 Internal Investigation

In response to inquiries, B Street Theatre confirmed that they were aware of the allegation concerning Busfield and the 16-year-old girl. The theater stated that following the report, they retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation back in 2001. Since that time, Busfield has not been involved in the theater’s operations, leadership, or programming.

Despite Busfield’s name appearing as an emeritus board member, the theater clarified that he has not participated in governance or attended board meetings for over two decades. The organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for artists, students, and audiences alike.

Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the theater declined to provide further details but expressed solidarity with all individuals affected by abuse or exploitation.

Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The pretrial motion filed by prosecutors revealed that the father of the alleged 16-year-old victim contacted law enforcement in January 2026, reporting that Busfield had sexually abused his daughter during an audition at B Street Theatre. The motion described that Busfield allegedly kissed the girl and engaged in inappropriate touching.

According to the documents, Busfield reportedly pleaded with the family not to report the incident to authorities if he could receive therapy. The victim’s father, a therapist, initially believed that this approach might be best at the time.

Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police on January 13, 2026, and appeared before a judge the following day. He is currently held without bond pending a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for January 29. His legal team has denied all allegations, calling them “calculated efforts” and emphasizing the lack of connection between the decades-old claims and the more recent accusations involving minors.

Public and Industry Reactions

The allegations against Busfield have sparked significant media attention and public concern. Warner Bros. Television, the producer of The Cleaning Lady, issued a statement affirming their commitment to the safety of minors on their productions and their cooperation with law enforcement.

Busfield’s wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, has refrained from public comment, focusing on supporting her family during the legal process. Their representatives have requested privacy as the case unfolds.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups and child protection organizations have reiterated the importance of reporting suspected abuse and ensuring victims receive support and justice.

Conclusion

The confirmation by B Street Theatre of a 2001 internal investigation into allegations against Timothy Busfield adds a significant dimension to the ongoing legal case involving multiple accusations of sexual abuse. While Busfield has not been involved with the theater for over 25 years, the resurfacing of these claims highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in all artistic environments.

If you or someone you know is affected by abuse, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) for confidential support available 24/7.

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