Tim Busfield Was Ordered to Pay Law Firm $150K For 1996 Case About Child Sexual Abuse

Timothy Busfield‘s arrest warrant isn’t the first time he’s been embroiled in legal drama regarding allegations of child sexual abuse — a judge orderedthe actor to pay $150K for an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit years ago.

Here’s the deal … back in 1996, Busfield filed a lawsuit against the law firm Messerli & Kramer, claiming they made up a story about him sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl while shooting the 1994 movie “Little Big League,” according to a report from Deseret News published at the time.

The alleged victim was an extra on the film, which Busfield starred in … and he reportedly settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

Busfield tried to sue the firm for defamation … and the judge ordered Busfield to pay the firm the amount it cost to defend themselves in the lawsuit.

As you know … prosecutors in New Mexico have issued a warrant for Busfield’s arrest, alleging he sexually abused two underage boys while filming “The Cleaning Lady.”

Police in Albuquerque told us they started investigating Busfield in late 2024 … and the warrant was issued Friday. We’re told cops hope the actor turns himself in.

Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert … who spoke out against child sex abuse just a few weeks before the warrant was issued.