February 19, New Delhi – New Mexico lawmakers passed legislation on Monday to launch the state’s first full investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, where he is accused of trafficking and sexually abusing girls and women.
The bipartisan "truth commission" will seek testimony from survivors, ranch staff, local residents, and officials who may have known about or participated in abuse at the 7,600-acre property.
The $2.5 million investigation has subpoena power and aims to close legal loopholes that allowed Epstein to operate for decades. The investigation adds political pressure weeks after federal files revealed ties between Epstein and New Mexico politicians, including two former governors and an attorney general.
Lawmakers plan to release interim findings by July and a final report by year-end. Advocates say the move addresses oversight gaps at Zorro Ranch, which federal probes had largely ignored, and could support future prosecutions.
