Timothy Busfieldis recurring Law & Order: SVU the character will have a new face.
Us Weekly can confirm that Busfield, 68, has been rejected in the long-running series of proceedings, with David Zayas played to replace him. Zayas, 63, is best known for playing Angel Batista Dexter and its subsequent derivative series.
The Busfield final Law & Order: SVU The episode was pulled from NBC last month after a warrant was issued for his arrest on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. The episode was originally scheduled to air on January 15, but the episode was replaced by one for another date.
The episode with Zayas has already been filmed and will be broadcast on Thursday, February 26.
we NBC and Busfield have been contacted for comment.
Busfield was charged in January of touching inappropriately twin child actors on the set of The cleaning womanwhere he served as executive producer and director. According to the Albuquerque Police Department affidavit obtained by wethe alleged incidents occurred between late 2022 and early 2024.
One of the child actors claimed that he was “very scared of Tim and was relieved when he was off set”. According to the affidavit, the boy’s twin brother, who also starred in the show, was “afraid to tell anyone because Tim was the director, and he was afraid Tim would get mad at him.”
During an interview with police, Busfield denied there was anything “weird” about his interactions with the children on set.
“I mean, I’m always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of parents. There would never be a weird moment,” she said. “I don’t really remember picking up those guys. I remember picking up the guy who was following them. I’d pick him up and he’d laugh and that would get him ready to act.”
Busfield turned himself in to police after the warrant was issued. Before turning himself in, Busfield maintained his innocence in a video obtained by TMZ.
“I didn’t do anything to these little kids,” he said. “And I’m going to fight it. I’m going to fight a great team, and I’m going to be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all so wrong and lies. So hang in there, and I hope it comes out soon.”
UPDATE: 01/21/26, 1:45 a.m. ET: Timothy Busfield was released from police custody while awaiting trial on alleged child molestation charges. According to police records obtained by Us Weekly in the early hours of Wednesday, January 21, Busfield was released the day before. A People report released in light of the news included (…)
After surrendering, Busfield appeared in court. He did not file a statement at the time.
Amid the allegations, Busfield’s wife, Melissa Gilberthas stayed by his side. The 61-year-old actress has appeared in court for the hearings of Busfield and issued a statement of support through their publicist.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for her very large family as they navigate this time,” the statement obtained by we to read “Melissa is standing by and supporting her husband and will address the public at the appropriate time. We ask that her privacy be respected.”
Gilbert’s rep added that the actress will not make any additional statements at the request of Busfield’s legal team.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Helpline for children at 1-800-422-4453.