A New Mexico judge has dismissed the indictment against actor Timothy Busfield, known for roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, after finding that prosecutors mishandled grand jury proceedings in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse against children. State District Judge Joseph Montano granted the defense’s motion to throw out the indictment in a decision released October 16, citing prosecutorial misconduct and violations that undermined the integrity of the grand jury process.

The indictment charged Busfield with four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor under 13. The allegations stemmed from his work directing the television series The Cleaning Lady in Albuquerque, where the parents of two twin boys who had appeared on the show accused him of inappropriate sexual contact. Busfield has repeatedly denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

In his ruling, Montano found that the prosecutor failed to act fairly and impartially, improperly instructed grand jurors about the procedures for calling witnesses and effectively prevented them from hearing testimony they had requested. During the proceedings, jurors repeatedly asked to hear from additional witnesses who were reportedly present and willing to testify. The judge concluded that the prosecutor’s instructions imposed procedural obstacles that were not supported by law and compromised the grand jury process.

Busfield’s attorneys had argued that prosecutors improperly withheld potentially favorable testimony and misrepresented the rules governing witness appearances. During a September hearing, the defense presented recordings of grand jurors asking to hear from additional witnesses. Prosecutors countered that the defense had not followed the proper procedures for presenting evidence and argued that Busfield had tried to steer the grand jury toward favorable testimony and exhibits.

The dismissal does not amount to an acquittal or establish whether the underlying allegations are true. The ruling allows prosecutors to pursue new criminal proceedings, and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said it was evaluating its options after receiving the decision. Busfield’s attorneys welcomed the ruling, while the case’s future remains uncertain.