New Mexico Launches Truth Commission on Epstein Ranch
Lawmakers in New Mexico unanimously passed a bill creating a bipartisan “truth commission” to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. This is the first full investigation into the property south of Santa Fe, where victims say Epstein sexually abused girls and women.
What Will the Commission Do?
The four-member team will interview survivors of alleged abuse and local residents about activities at the ranch. They’ll deliver an initial report in July and a complete one by year’s end.
The commission starts work immediately and has subpoena power to gather evidence. New Mexico’s attorney general assigned a special agent to probe any new allegations.
Why Now?
The move follows the release of over three million documents about Epstein. State Representative Melanie Stansbury says past crimes at the ranch “were never fully investigated” by authorities.
The goal is to uncover what happened and create safeguards so it “can never happen again,” Stansbury added.</ سلام>
Inside Zorro Ranch
Epstein bought the 7,600-acre property—complete with a mansion and private runway—in 1993. Victims say he abused girls there as early as 1996.
Court cases describe the ranch as a site where Epstein trafficked young women, including Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre later accused Britain’s Prince Andrew of sexual abuse.
Past Investigations Fell Short
Federal investigators never examined the ranch’s operations, according to lawmakers. New Mexico’s attorney general tried to probe Epstein in 2019, but federal prosecutors blocked it to avoid overlapping efforts.
“Epstein was basically doing anything he wanted without accountability,” said State Representative Andrea Romero.
What’s Next?
The truth commission aims to collect testimony for future lawsuits. The ranch was sold last year to the family of a Texas politician, who said they’ll cooperate fully with investigators.
