New Mexico lawmakers have passed legislation to launch the first full investigation into Zorro Ranch, where known U.S. sex offender Jefferey Epstien was accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting women and minors.
The bipartisan committee that will request and review testimonies from survivors of alleged sexual abuse at the ranch, which is located approximately 30 miles (approx. 48 kms) south of Santa Fe, the state capital. Legislators have also requested locals to testify.
Truth Commission Probes into Politicians Linked To Epstein
They have called this committee the ‘truth commission’, a group of four democratic lawmakers who intend to identify ranch guests and state officials who were aware of the incidents occurring at Epstein’s property or may have been complicit in participating in the alleged sexual abuse in the mansion and guest houses.
The legislation adds political pressure to uncover Epstein’s crimes, which has now become a challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, only weeks after the Department of Justice declassified millions of Epstein-related documents that provided new information on the activities at the ranch.
The files have also revealed previously unknown ties to two former Democratic governors and the attorney general of New Mexico.
The legislation passed the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously. Still, it could pose a risk to any politicians, investors, scientists, or other high-profile individuals linked to Epstein in the Democratic-run state.
No Charges Despite Several Civil Suits Against Epstein
The investigation will be a $2.5 million investigation and has subpoena power. It aims to close the gaps in New Mexico law that may have allowed Epstein to operate in the state. The committee begins work on Tuesday and will deliver initial findings by July and a final report by the year-end.
Several civil suits have been filed accusing Epstein of sexually assaulting girls at the Zorro Ranch; however, he was never charged with these allegations.
New Mexico state Representative Andrea Romero mentioned that there has been no record of federal law enforcement searching the property. Even while Epstein’s first allegation of assaulting a 16-year-old girl dates as far back as 1996.
According to state Representative Marianna Anaya, a state house committee rejected accompanying legislation to extend New Mexico’s statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault to allow civil actions by Epstein survivors. The legislation raised concerns about increased insurance costs for public institutions that faced abuse lawsuits.
Former New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez had assigned a special agent to probe allegations that may come through the truth commission, spokesperson Lauran Rodriguez said.
Several New Mexico Governors Linked to Epstein
Epstein purchased the ranch in 1993 from Bruce King, a three-time New Mexico Democratic governor, and his estate later sold the property in 2023 to Don Huffines, a businessman and politician, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Huffines has agreed to cooperate with any law enforcement during this investigation.
Epstein was a frequent contributor to the political campaigns of New Mexico Democrats, such as Bill Richardson, Bruce King and later his son, Gary King, former New Mexico attorney general.
According to a report in the Epstein files, Epstein would fly in guests and ‘masseuses’ to the ranch and hired locals to work as massage therapists. In an unsealed court deposition, Virginia Guiffre, a victim from the ranch, testified that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s partner, directed her to give the late Bill Richardson a “massage” at the ranch. According to her memoir, a “massage” meant that the victim would have to engage in sexual encounters with an abuser.
(With inputs from Reuters)
