New Mexico lawmakers launch Jeffrey Epstein ranch investigation

SANTA FE, New Mexico (Journos News) – New Mexico legislators have voted to open a formal investigation into activities at a remote desert property once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, seeking to determine whether sexual abuse and trafficking occurred there and whether state or local authorities failed to act.

The bipartisan inquiry, structured as a “truth commission,” will examine allegations linked to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch and review why he was not listed as a registered sex offender in New Mexico following his 2008 guilty plea in Florida. Lawmakers say the panel will also assess whether any public officials enabled or overlooked potential misconduct.

The move comes years after Epstein’s death in federal custody and amid renewed scrutiny of his associates and financial dealings. Although federal investigations have addressed conduct in other jurisdictions, state lawmakers say questions remain about activity within New Mexico and the adequacy of oversight.

Commission formed with subpoena power

The four-member panel was approved unanimously by state House legislators present on Monday. It is chaired by Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe and includes Democratic Rep. Marianna Anaya of Albuquerque, Republican Rep. William Hall of Aztec — a retired FBI agent — and Rep. Andrea Reeb of Clovis, a former district attorney.

The commission has been granted subpoena authority and a budget exceeding $2 million, giving it the capacity to compel testimony and gather records. Lawmakers said the structure is intended to ensure independence and a thorough public accounting.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Anaya called on anyone with information about alleged abuse at the ranch to come forward, pledging confidentiality for those who share testimony.

“That perpetrator could not act alone,” Anaya said, referring to Epstein. “Enablers must also be held accountable, including the state itself, if needed.”

Romero said survivors have indicated that trafficking activity may have extended to the New Mexico property, located roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Santa Fe. “We’ve heard years of allegations and rumors,” she said. “This truth commission will finally fill in the gaps of what we need to know.”

Focus on Zorro Ranch history

Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King. Over time, he developed the site into a 26,700-square-foot hilltop residence with a private runway, according to public records.

The property became a focal point of media scrutiny after Epstein’s 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. He later died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial. Federal prosecutors had accused him of abusing and trafficking dozens of underage girls.

Although Epstein never faced criminal charges in New Mexico, the state attorney general’s office confirmed in 2019 that it was investigating possible crimes connected to the ranch and had interviewed individuals who visited the property.

In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez ordered a separate investigation into financial institutions used by Epstein and their legal obligations. According to a spokesperson for his office, agreements were reached with two banks to dedicate $17 million toward human trafficking prevention efforts.

Questions over registration and oversight

A central line of inquiry for the commission will be why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico after his 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Lawmakers say they want to determine whether administrative failures, jurisdictional gaps, or other factors contributed.

The investigation will also examine whether any local authorities ignored warning signs or failed to act on complaints. Romero said the aim is to create a factual record that has not previously been assembled at the state level.

Legal experts note that while federal prosecutions focused on conduct in Florida and New York, states retain authority to investigate crimes within their own borders. The commission’s findings could inform potential referrals to prosecutors if evidence of wrongdoing emerges.

Property’s new ownership

Epstein’s estate sold Zorro Ranch in 2023, with proceeds directed toward creditors and compensation funds. The buyer was the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate in Texas for state comptroller.

In a social media statement at the time, Huffines said the property had been renamed San Rafael Ranch and that his family intended to operate it as a Christian retreat. He added that any request from law enforcement for access to the property would be met with “immediate and full cooperation.”

The new commission has not alleged wrongdoing by current owners.

Broader context

Epstein’s network and finances have been the subject of multiple civil lawsuits and investigations in the United States and abroad. His death in 2019 ended federal criminal proceedings against him but left unresolved questions about associates and the scope of his operations.

New Mexico lawmakers say their inquiry is designed to address state-specific concerns rather than duplicate federal efforts. By establishing subpoena power and allocating dedicated funding, they aim to produce a comprehensive public record.

Whether the commission uncovers new evidence remains to be seen. For now, legislators say the priority is to hear from potential witnesses and determine whether past allegations tied to Zorro Ranch were adequately investigated.