Tim Busfield ordered to pay $150,000 to law firm over 1996 child sex abuse case

Timothy BusfieldThe arrest warrant isn’t the first time he’s been embroiled in legal drama over child sex abuse allegations: A judge ordered the actor to pay $150,000 for an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit years ago.

Here’s the deal… In 1996, Busfield filed a lawsuit against the law firm Messerli & Kramer, claiming they fabricated a story that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl while filming the 1994 film “Little Big League,” according to a report from Desert News published at the time.

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

Busfield attempted to sue the company for defamation…and the judge ordered Busfield to pay the company the amount it cost him to defend himself in the lawsuit.

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

Albuquerque police tell us they began investigating Busfield in late 2024…and the warrant was issued Friday. We’re told cops are hoping the actor turns himself in.

Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert …WHO expressed himself against child sexual abuse just weeks before the warrant was issued.

TMZ has reached out to Busfield’s camp for comment…so far, no response.