New Mexico Launches Probe Into Epstein's Ranch

Lawmakers form 'truth commission' with subpoena power to question witnesses

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:55am

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New Mexico state lawmakers have unanimously approved a $2.5 million 'truth commission' to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into alleged trafficking and sexual abuse at Jeffrey Epstein's remote Zorro Ranch property. The four-member bipartisan panel will have subpoena power and is expected to hear from survivors, local residents, and anyone with knowledge of activities at the ranch, where Epstein allegedly abused girls and women for years but was never charged.

Why it matters

The move follows the recent release of millions of pages of Epstein-related records by the US Justice Department, which reference visits to Zorro Ranch and link Epstein to two former Democratic governors and a former attorney general of New Mexico. The commission aims to identify gaps in state law that may have allowed Epstein to operate freely in New Mexico without accountability.

The details

The four-member bipartisan panel will look at who visited the ranch and which officials may have known about, enabled, or participated in abuse. Interim findings are due in July and a final report by the end of the year. While the statute of limitations may have passed in some cases, lawmakers say state legislation could potentially be changed 'to help survivors see justice'.

  • On Monday, state lawmakers unanimously approved the $2.5 million 'truth commission'.
  • The commission is expected to hear from survivors, local residents, and anyone with knowledge of activities at the ranch.
  • Interim findings are due in July and a final report is expected by the end of 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who allegedly abused girls and women at his remote Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico for years, but was never charged in connection with the site.

Andrea Romero

A Democratic state representative in New Mexico who co-sponsored the measure to create the 'truth commission'.

Bruce King

A former Democratic governor of New Mexico who sold the Zorro Ranch to Epstein in 1993.

Bill Richardson

A former Democratic governor of New Mexico who has been linked to Epstein's activities at the ranch.

Donald Huffines

A Texas businessman and politician who is the current owner of the Zorro Ranch, having bought it at public auction in 2023. He plans to turn the property into a Christian retreat center.

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What they’re saying

“He was basically doing anything he wanted in this state without any accountability whatsoever.”

— Andrea Romero, Democratic state representative

“Testimony could be used in future prosecutions.”

— Andrea Romero, Democratic state representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 'truth commission' to move forward with its subpoena power.

The takeaway

This investigation into Epstein's activities in New Mexico could uncover new evidence and lead to future prosecutions, while also identifying gaps in state laws that may have enabled his alleged abuse to continue unchecked for years.