New Mexico Lawmakers Probe Zorro Ranch Linked to Jeffrey Epstein

The ranch is now owned by Texas Republican candidate Don Huffines, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The New Mexico House of Representatives voted unanimously to begin an investigation into possible crimes committed at Zorro Ranch, while it was owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein from 1993 until his death in 2019. A bipartisan committee of four House members will investigate the allegations, and lawmakers are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The ranch is now owned by Texas Republican candidate Don Huffines, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The investigation into Zorro Ranch aims to uncover any potential sex trafficking and sexual abuse that may have occurred on the property during Epstein's ownership. This comes as a number of high-profile figures have been implicated in the release of files following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which compels the Department of Justice to release millions of pages of documents and other files from investigations into Epstein's crimes.

The details

The New Mexico House of Representatives voted 62-0 on Monday, Feb. 16 to begin the investigation into the 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch located near Stanley, N.M. The legislation alleges that officials did not adequately investigate claims of sexual abuse that took place at the ranch while it was owned by Epstein, who purchased the property in 1993 and owned it until his death in 2019. The late Virginia Guiffre, who accused Epstein and others of ongoing sexual abuse, has been pictured in photos taken at Zorro Ranch, along with a number of women who have also alleged that they were sexually abused by Epstein and his associates.

  • Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993.
  • Epstein owned the ranch until his death in 2019.
  • The New Mexico House of Representatives voted 62-0 on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 to begin the investigation.
  • The committee is expected to present a preliminary report in the investigation by July 31, 2026, and a final report is due to the full legislature on Dec. 31, 2026.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993 and owned it until his death in 2019.

Virginia Guiffre

A woman who accused Epstein and others of ongoing sexual abuse and has been pictured in photos taken at Zorro Ranch.

Don Huffines

A Texas-based real estate developer and billionaire who purchased Zorro Ranch in 2023 and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Marianna Anaya

A New Mexico state representative who encouraged those with information about potential crimes on the ranch to come forward.

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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. If you do want to share, we'll be here and we will be operating with confidentiality.”

— Marianna Anaya, New Mexico State Representative (KSAT)

“What the enemy once meant for evil, God can redeem for good. That's why we renamed the property San Rafael, after the saint associated with physical and spiritual healing, and began plans immediately to remake it as a Christian retreat, reclaiming it for Jesus.”

— Don Huffines (X)

What’s next

The bipartisan committee of four House members will investigate the allegations and present a preliminary report by July 31, 2026, with a final report due to the full legislature on Dec. 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This investigation into Zorro Ranch highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes and the potential involvement of others. The new ownership of the property by a Texas Republican candidate also adds a political dimension to the probe, underscoring the importance of thorough and impartial investigations into past wrongdoings.