New Mexico lawmakers open broad investigation into Epstein ranch
New Mexico lawmakers launched a sweeping investigation Tuesday into Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch, seeking to uncover what occurred at the sprawling property outside Santa Fe and provide a platform for survivors of sexual abuse. The move comes more than three years after Epstein, the convicted sex offender, died in a New York prison cell while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors. Epstein owned the ranch from 1993 until his death and built a massive mansion on the more than 7,600-acre site.
State Rep. Andrea Romero, a co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill creating the investigatory panel, described the effort as critical for uncovering the truth and giving survivors a chance at justice. “There were clearly activities that took place here under the guise of Jeffrey Epstein … and other perpetrators,” Romero said. The special House committee, known as a “Truth Commission,” will seek testimony from survivors and publicly name suspected perpetrators. The panel’s bipartisan composition is intended to ensure objectivity, with Democratic sponsors Romero and Marianna Anaya joined by Republicans Andrea Reeb and Bill Hall.
The investigation follows previous reports and filings that referenced Zorro Ranch, including allegations from Epstein accuser Annie Farmer, who said in testimony at the 2021 trial of Ghislaine Maxwell that she was abused at the property at age 16. A criminal investigation in New Mexico in 2019 ended without charges. The state Department of Justice recently requested unredacted access to a 2019 anonymous email alleging that two foreign girls were buried at the ranch. The current owners of the property, the family of former Texas Sen. Don Huffines, have pledged full cooperation with officials.
The committee is empowered to investigate criminal activity and public corruption, and its work could yield information usable in court, though Romero acknowledged that some cases may be affected by statutes of limitations. Lawmakers are already considering legislation to extend legal options for survivors. The panel is set to hold its first meeting on Tuesday, with an interim report due to House leadership by July 31 and a final report, including recommendations, expected by December 31. The resolution notes that under New Mexico law, the House has full authority to conduct the inquiry without Senate approval.
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