Former NM Attorney General Addresses Epstein Flight Link

Gary King says he was unaware of Epstein's connection to the chartered flight he took in 2014.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former New Mexico Attorney General Gary King has clarified his involvement in a chartered flight organized by Jeffrey Epstein in 2014, stating he was unaware of Epstein's connection to the flight. King explained that he and then-candidate for lieutenant governor Deb Haaland ended up on the flight manifest due to an important meeting with union leaders in Washington, D.C., which was arranged by former Governor Bill Richardson.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the connections between prominent New Mexico politicians and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose extensive network of powerful associates has been a subject of intense scrutiny in recent years.

The details

Documents show that King and Haaland took a chartered flight from Santa Fe to Washington, D.C., in September 2014, with the flight manifest listing the client as an LLC owned by Epstein. King stated that he asked Epstein directly to use his plane for the flight, but he claims he was unaware of Epstein's involvement. King also mentioned meeting Epstein in person only once, when Epstein called to express condolences for the loss of King's father.

  • In September 2014, King and Haaland took a chartered flight from Santa Fe to Washington, D.C.

The players

Gary King

Former Attorney General of New Mexico who was in the middle of a gubernatorial run at the time of the flight.

Deb Haaland

Then-candidate for lieutenant governor of New Mexico who was on the flight with King.

Bill Richardson

Former Governor of New Mexico who arranged the flight for King, according to King's statement.

Jeffrey Epstein

Late financier whose LLC owned the chartered plane that King and Haaland took.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't find any red-eyed flights and it was an important meeting at that time with these Union leaders then in Washington, DC.”

— Gary King, Former Attorney General of New Mexico (koat.com)

“It was an important meeting at that time with these Union leaders then in Washington, DC. It was, I think, the National Education Association, and one of the big government employees unions and the firefighters and several that Bill Richardson knew well, so he was trying to help us to get that set up, so we just decided the best way to get there was to charter an airplane, a private jet.”

— Gary King, Former Attorney General of New Mexico (koat.com)

“The time that I met him, he called me because he had heard that my dad had passed away. And then he said that he wanted to meet with me and have coffee, and express his condolences for the loss of my dad. And so, we met in Santa Fe and had a cup of tea actually.”

— Gary King, Former Attorney General of New Mexico (koat.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.