The secluded desert ranch in New Mexico, once a playground for financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is now under renewed scrutiny.
Two state legislators have proposed the establishment of an investigative "truth commission" to delve into the past and safeguard against future instances of sex trafficking.
According to the Western Journal, Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe has revealed that several survivors of Epstein's abuse have indicated that sex trafficking activities extended to Zorro Ranch. This sprawling property, complete with a hilltop mansion and private runway, is located about 35 miles south of the state's capital city. Romero expressed concern that the state lacks sufficient knowledge about the activities that took place at the ranch to effectively prevent future abuse.
Romero informed a panel of legislators, "This commission will specifically seek the truth about what officials knew, how crimes were unreported or reported, and how the state can ensure that this essentially never happens again." She added, "There's no complete record of what occurred."
The proposed investigation, with a budget of $2.5 million, would place New Mexico at the center of an international array of probes into Epstein's associations. These investigations have stirred the U.S. Congress and led King Charles III to formally strip his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his princely title.
Epstein, who committed suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019, was charged with sexually abusing and trafficking dozens of underage girls. This case emerged over a decade after Epstein had covertly negotiated a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dismiss nearly identical allegations. Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages before molesting them.
Epstein acquired Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and constructed a 26,700-square-foot mansion. The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023, with the proceeds going to creditors.
Despite never facing charges in New Mexico, the state attorney general's office confirmed in 2019 that it was investigating Epstein and had interviewed potential victims who visited the ranch. In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Ral Torrez initiated an investigation into financial businesses used by Epstein and their legal obligations. This investigation led to agreements with two banks that dedicated $17 million to the prevention of human trafficking.
Legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed cautious support for a new probe. There is concern that New Mexico laws allowed Epstein to avoid registering locally as a sex offender long after he was required to do so in Florida.
Republican Rep. Andrea Reeb, a former district attorney from Clovis, stated, "I do feel like this is a unique opportunity to help victims. I do believe New Mexicans do have a right to know what happened at this ranch. And I didn't get the impression it was gonna be a big political thing."
However, another Republican legislator questioned the timing of the proposed investigation, citing tensions related to President Donald Trump and his pledge to release documents related to the late sex trafficker.
The results of the proposed investigation are expected to take at least two years. To proceed with the truth commission, approval is first required from the state House when the Legislature convenes in January. This would create a bipartisan oversight committee of four legislators, according to Democratic state Rep. Marianna Anaya, a co-sponsor of the initiative.
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
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