Los Angeles, California — Actor David Zayas will take over a guest role in the upcoming episode of “Law & Order: SVU” following the legal troubles of his predecessor, Timothy Busfield. Busfield, previously cast as a judge in the episode, faces serious allegations, including charges of child sexual abuse.

Zayas, known for his role in “Dexter,” will portray a judge in the episode titled “Corrosive.” The episode was initially scheduled to air on January 15 but was postponed by NBC after a warrant was issued for Busfield’s arrest last month. It is now set to premiere on February 26, after the show’s brief hiatus for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The storyline of “Corrosive” involves a respected judge whose life is threatened, linking back to an anonymous video submitted to the Special Victims Unit’s tip line. In the plot, character Rollins, played by Kelli Giddish, works to support a victim confronting their past abuse.

Busfield, who is 68 years old, has a history with the series, having appeared as a guest star in 2011 and directed several episodes in 2019. However, his recent charges involve allegations of inappropriate conduct with two child actors on the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady,” a claim he has denied. The accusations, stemming from an investigation that commenced in November 2024, indicate that the alleged abuse began in 2022 when the boys were just 7 years old.

During police questioning, Busfield reportedly acknowledged that it was “highly likely” he interacted physically with the young boys involved in the investigation. His arrest occurred on January 13, when he surrendered at his residence in upstate New York.

Following his release from custody on his own recognizance, Busfield’s next court date is pending. His wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, continues to support him during this challenging time.

In addition to the allegations concerning the child actors in New Mexico, Busfield is also being investigated for separate claims of sexual misconduct involving a 16-year-old girl at a theater he founded in Sacramento, California. While these allegations are serious, he has not yet been charged in connection with this case.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment community watches closely, particularly with Zayas stepping into the role originally intended for Busfield. The upcoming episode of “Law & Order: SVU” promises to engage viewers with its complex themes of justice and trauma, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by those working to bring such stories to the screen.