Santa Fe, New Mexico — In a significant move toward transparency, the New Mexico legislature has authorized a commission to investigate allegations of abuse at Jeffrey Epstein’s expansive ranch, the Zorro Ranch, located just outside Santa Fe. The decision, made on Monday, comes in the wake of a wave of renewed interest following the recent release of extensive investigative documents by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Epstein’s activities.
For years, multiple women and girls have claimed they were victims of sexual abuse on the approximately 10,000-acre property. Despite these serious allegations, local and state law enforcement agencies have largely overlooked the ranch, focusing instead on Epstein’s other high-profile residences, including his New York townhouse and Caribbean island. Notably, officials have reported no federal searches conducted at the ranch despite the extensive investigations elsewhere.
Hector Balderas, who served as New Mexico’s attorney general during Epstein’s arrest in July 2019, stated that his office had initiated an investigation into activities in New Mexico linked to Epstein but ultimately halted further inquiries at the request of federal prosecutors. He emphasized that the federal team was already managing a multi-jurisdictional prosecution. Internal communications have revealed that Balderas’ office concluded its investigation into sex trafficking activities and deferred to federal authorities.
The gridlock between state and federal investigations has raised concerns among advocates and lawmakers, prompting calls for a comprehensive examination. Democratic State Representative Andrea Romero, who sponsored the truth commission legislation, underscored the importance of shedding light on the events that transpired at Zorro Ranch. With the authority to subpoena documents and summon witnesses, the commission aims to piece together a complete narrative of what occurred on the property.
Romero expressed her position unequivocally, stating that New Mexico residents “deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it.” The commission is slated to operate with a budget of $2 million and will include representatives from both major political parties, reflecting a bipartisan commitment to uncovering the truth.
Funding for the commission is sourced from a settlement agreement between the New Mexico attorney general’s office and Deutsche Bank. This settlement arose amid investigations into the financial institution’s role in failing to identify and address the alleged abuse and trafficking of underage girls associated with Epstein.
This initiative forms part of a broader legislative effort to confront the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein and ensure accountability. Last November, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, compelling the Department of Justice to release all relevant files connected to him. This law emerged in response to intense scrutiny of how Epstein’s case was handled by various authorities over the years.
As the truth commission prepares to convene, its findings could offer crucial insights into an episode that has left deep wounds in the community and beyond. Lawmakers hope that by bringing hidden elements of Epstein’s history to light, they can foster a sense of justice for victims and potentially prevent future abuses.