Timothy Busfield paid $150,000 to law firm in 1996, report says

A 1996 judge ordered Timothy Busfield to repay $150,000 to a Minneapolis law firm after rejecting his claim that the firm fabricated a sexual‑assault allegation; Busfield appealed and the parties later settled. The detail surfaced as authorities in New Mexico reported an arrest warrant this week related to allegations involving child actors.

Timothy Busfield was ordered in 1996 to pay $150,000 to a Minneapolis law firm after a judge rejected his claim that the firm had fabricated a sexual‑assault allegation, sources report. The amount covered legal fees the firm incurred defending itself in a defamation suit; Busfield appealed and the parties later settled. That earlier court matter has been noted as new allegations and an arrest warrant were reported in New Mexico this week. Authorities say an investigation into alleged misconduct involving child actors began in November 2024 after concerns were raised by hospital staff. Key points: - A U.S. district judge in 1996 ordered Busfield to repay Messerli & Kramer $150,000, finding the firm did not fabricate the allegation reported against him. - The $150,000 covered the law firm’s legal fees in a defamation case that was appealed and later settled. - New Mexico authorities reported an arrest warrant this week charging Busfield with criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse; officials say the investigation opened in November 2024. - The recent inquiry noted the earlier 1996 defamation matter and a reported 2012 allegation; public records do not show that Busfield has been taken into custody. Summary: The 1996 court order requiring Busfield to pay $150,000 has resurfaced alongside recent charges and an arrest warrant in New Mexico, bringing renewed attention to both past and current claims. Officials say the new investigation began in November 2024, and public records do not indicate he is in custody. Undetermined at this time.