SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico state legislators initiated an investigation on Tuesday into the activities that took place at a remote desert ranch owned by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry aims to uncover whether local authorities ignored any misconduct.
A bipartisan panel comprised of four state House representatives is looking into accusations that Epstein’s ranch may have been a site for sexual abuse and trafficking. Additionally, lawmakers are questioning why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico following his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor and whether there was any official corruption involved.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Democratic state Representative Marianna Anaya from Albuquerque, who serves on the truth commission, encouraged individuals with knowledge of any abuse linked to Epstein at the ranch to come forward. She emphasized the importance of holding not just Epstein, but any accomplices, accountable.
“Such offenses are not committed in isolation,” Anaya stated. “Running a sex ring or committing financial crimes requires assistance. As a commission, we recognize the need to hold enablers accountable, including state entities if necessary. We assure confidentiality to anyone willing to share information.”
The fallout from connections to Epstein has recently led to the resignation or removal of several prominent individuals.
Originally purchased by Epstein in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King, the expansive Zorro Ranch in New Mexico featured a 26,700-square-foot mansion and a private airstrip. In 2023, Epstein’s estate sold the property, with the proceeds directed to creditors.
Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls.
Truth commission chairwoman and state Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe has said that several survivors of Epstein’s abuse have signaled that sex trafficking activity extended to the ranch, which is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Santa Fe.
“We’ve heard years of allegations and rumors about Epstein’s activities here. But unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record,” Romero said Tuesday. “This truth commission will finally fill in the gaps of what we need to know.”
Commission members also include retired FBI agent and Republican state Rep. William Hall of Aztec and former district attorney and Rep. Andrea Reeb of Clovis. State House legislators who were present voted unanimously on Monday to create the commission with subpoena power and a budget of over $2 million.
While Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, the state attorney general’s office in 2019 confirmed that it was investigating and had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch.
In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez ordered an investigation into financial businesses utilized by Epstein and their legal obligations, resulting in agreements with two banks that dedicate $17 million to the prevention of human trafficking, according to a spokesperson for Torrez’s office.
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