Judge dismisses child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield
A judge dismissed child sex abuse charges against West Wing actor Timothy Busfield, citing unfair conduct by prosecutors.
What happened
A New Mexico judge dismissed child sexual abuse charges against West Wing actor and director Timothy Busfield, who had been accused of groping a young boy on a TV set.13
Judge Joseph Montano ruled that the prosecution did not act in a fair and impartial manner during grand jury proceedings.123
The judge said prosecutors could still pursue new charges against Busfield.1
The judge, identified as Joseph Montano, said prosecutors could pursue new charges against Busfield.1
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from Timothy Busfield or his legal representatives.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific nature of the alleged prosecutorial unfairness beyond the judge's general finding.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported when or whether new charges might be filed.
Why it matters
What to watch
- Whether prosecutors file new charges against Busfield, as the judge indicated they could.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 1The GuardianGBPrivate
Child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield dismissed by judge
- 3BBC NewsGBPublic broadcaster
Judge throws out child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield
South Asia
- 2The Express TribunePKPrivate