Criminal Minds adds Damon Gupton after Thomas Gibson exit

After the recent dismissal of Thomas Gibson, Criminal Minds has found a new member for the team.

Damon Gupton, who recurred as Norman Bates’ psychiatrist on the latest season of Bates Motel, has been cast on the long-time CBS drama in the series regular role of Special Agent Stephen Walker, the network announced. Gupton will first appear in the eighth episode of the current season, where his character will join the Behavioral Analysis Unit as a seasoned profiler, who specializes in hunting down spies.

“Our BAU family is growing,” said Erica Messer, Criminal Minds’ executive producer. “We’re excited to have Damon join the show and work alongside our amazing cast and crew.”

The addition of Gupton to the series comes only weeks after Gibson, who had been with the show since it began in 2005, was suspended and ultimately fired for an altercation on set.

While Gibson told PEOPLE he feels like “they’re trying to erase him from the show,” his character, Aaron Hotchner had a major role in Wednesday’s season 12 premiere.

Criminal Minds, which also stars Matthew Gray Gubler and Joe Mantegna, airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.