New Mexico Launches Probe into Epstein's Secluded Ranch

State legislators investigate alleged sex abuse and trafficking at the late financier's property

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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State legislators in New Mexico have launched a bipartisan investigation into past activities at Jeffrey Epstein's secluded Zorro Ranch, including allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The four-member truth commission will examine whether local authorities turned a blind eye to any wrongdoing and why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after a 2008 conviction.

Why it matters

The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Epstein's activities at the New Mexico ranch and any potential corruption or cover-ups by public officials. It comes after years of allegations and rumors about the property, which Epstein purchased in 1993 and later sold in 2023.

The details

The bipartisan truth commission, led by state Rep. Andrea Romero, will have subpoena power and a budget of over $2 million to investigate the ranch. Lawmakers say they want to know why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico after his 2008 conviction and whether there was any corruption among local authorities. The commission is urging any survivors or witnesses to come forward confidentially.

  • Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King.
  • Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.
  • Epstein's estate sold the ranch property in 2023.
  • The New Mexico state legislature voted unanimously on Monday to create the investigation commission.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A financier and convicted sex offender who owned the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.

Marianna Anaya

A Democratic state representative from Albuquerque and member of the truth commission.

Andrea Romero

The chairwoman of the truth commission and a state representative from Santa Fe.

William Hall

A retired FBI agent and Republican state representative from Aztec, serving on the commission.

Andrea Reeb

A former district attorney and state representative from Clovis, serving on the commission.

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What they’re saying

“That perpetrator could not act alone. They could not run a sex ring alone, they could not commit these types of financial crimes alone. So we know as a commission that enablers must also be held accountable, including the state itself, if needed.”

— Marianna Anaya, State Representative

“We've heard years of allegations and rumors about Epstein's activities here. But unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record. This truth commission will finally fill in the gaps of what we need to know.”

— Andrea Romero, Truth Commission Chairwoman and State Representative

What’s next

The truth commission will have subpoena power and a budget of over $2 million to conduct its investigation. Lawmakers say they hope survivors and witnesses will come forward confidentially to provide information about any abuse or wrongdoing at the Zorro Ranch.

The takeaway

This investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Epstein's activities in New Mexico and any potential corruption or cover-ups by local authorities. It reflects growing public demands for accountability and transparency around the late financier's alleged sex crimes and the enablers who may have facilitated them.