New Mexico Lawmakers Push for Epstein Probe at Zorro Ranch

State representative calls for bipartisan commission to investigate alleged crimes at Epstein's former property

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:55pm

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New Mexico lawmakers are advocating for a bipartisan truth commission to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's activities and alleged crimes during his 26 years of operating at his former Zorro Ranch property in the state. State Rep. Andrea Romero says the commission aims to gather testimony from survivors and uncover what happened at the ranch, which has been linked to allegations of trafficking and abuse.

Why it matters

Epstein's Zorro Ranch has long been shrouded in mystery, with multiple women claiming they were victimized there. The proposed commission seeks to provide a platform for survivors to testify and hold institutions accountable for any wrongdoing that occurred on the property over Epstein's decades-long presence in New Mexico.

The details

Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch, located 30 miles south of Santa Fe, in 1993 from former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King. The ranch has been linked to allegations of trafficking and abuse, with survivor Annie Farmer testifying about being brought there and forced into unwanted activities. Emails from the Department of Justice also reveal Epstein's connections with former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who allegedly assisted Epstein post-conviction. The Zorro Ranch was sold in 2023 to an undisclosed buyer and renamed San Rafael Ranch.

  • Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993.
  • Epstein was active in New Mexico for over 26 years.
  • Epstein died in federal custody in 2019.
  • The Zorro Ranch was sold in 2023 and renamed San Rafael Ranch.

The players

Andrea Romero

A New Mexico state representative who is advocating for a bipartisan commission to investigate Epstein's activities and alleged crimes at the Zorro Ranch.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who owned the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico for over 26 years, with the property being linked to allegations of trafficking and abuse.

Bruce King

The former New Mexico governor who sold the Zorro Ranch to Jeffrey Epstein in 1993.

Bill Richardson

The former New Mexico governor who allegedly assisted Epstein post-conviction, according to emails from the Department of Justice.

Annie Farmer

A survivor who testified during Ghislaine Maxwell's trial about being brought to the Zorro Ranch and forced into unwanted activities.

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What they’re saying

“What we are going to try and do is get everything on the record in the time span that he was here.”

— Andrea Romero, State Representative

“When we heard the allegations of his various victims — of people who claim they were abused here, trafficked here — that they were sexually abused here, some as children — I was heartbroken. And it's so disgusting to think that happened on our watch at all.”

— Andrea Romero, State Representative

“This is about justice. This is about the pursuit of the ability of survivors to have their place of justice in our state — and to make sure it never happens again.”

— Andrea Romero, State Representative

What’s next

The truth commission measure is expected to be heard on the New Mexico House floor soon. If approved, it will not require Senate or governor approval, as it is solely a House measure.

The takeaway

The proposed commission aims to shed light on the alleged crimes and wrongdoing that occurred at Epstein's Zorro Ranch over his decades-long presence in New Mexico, providing a platform for survivors to testify and holding institutions accountable for any complicity or cover-ups.