New Mexico Legislature Initiates Investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch

On February 16, the New Mexico State Legislature voted to start an extensive inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, located near Santa Fe.

This decision was unanimous; the legislature created a subcommittee to look into claims of sexual abuse and trafficking involving minors at the ranch. According to sources, Democratic Congressman Andrea Romero, a sponsor of the bill, mentioned that the subcommittee would have the authority to issue subpoenas and gather public records and witness accounts to “create a complete picture.”

Following the vote, Romero stated that the residents of New Mexico “deserve to know what transpired at Zorro Ranch and who was aware of it.” She pointed out that there have been persistent rumors about Epstein’s actions in the state. However, a detailed public record has been elusive due to the shortcomings in federal investigations.

With the newly formed truth commission, Romero expressed hope that they could finally address the failures that allowed for the alleged abuse at the ranch to occur, aiming to prevent such situations in the future.

The subcommittee will operate with a budget of $2 million, funded through a settlement involving the New Mexico Attorney General. This investigation is expected to run until the year’s end but could be extended if necessary.

As the investigation began, Republican state lawmakers asked Romero about emerging information regarding claims that the remains of two girls were buried near the ranch. New Mexico’s Public Lands Secretary recently wrote to officials, pressing for investigations into these troubling allegations.

The New Mexico Department of Justice requested an unredacted version of a prior anonymous email concerning a girl who allegedly died at the ranch, although the authenticity of this email remains unconfirmed. NMDOJ’s Chief of Staff mentioned that they are keen on exploring all available avenues to investigate the raised allegations and any new ones that may surface.

The ranch has been frequently referenced in documents released by the Department of Justice and was a significant topic during trials related to Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell. One accuser, Annie Farmer, testified during Maxwell’s trial that both Epstein and Maxwell abused her at the ranch when she was 16.

Former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas had previously indicated that his office would share relevant findings regarding Epstein’s activities with federal authorities. There had been no indictments at that time, as per statements from the New Mexico State Attorney’s Office.

Epstein’s vast 7,500-acre estate featured a mansion and was under his ownership from 1993 until his death in 2019 while awaiting trial on related offenses. He acquired the property from former Governor Bruce King, and it was reportedly involved in sex trafficking activities, according to court documents.

Romero announced that the Epstein subcommittee is set to convene for its first meeting on February 17.

Attempts to reach out to Romero and the New Mexico Department of Justice for comments were not successful prior to publication.