New Mexico Investigates Epstein's Powerful Ties

Questions raised about the late financier's links to former state politicians and their continued campaign donations.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:02pm

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As police search Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico ranch for evidence of abuse, attention has focused on the powerful former state politicians who continued to meet and receive campaign donations from Epstein long after he became a registered sex offender. A New Mexico state 'truth commission' is investigating Epstein's relationships with Democratic Party leaders and the institutional failings that may have allowed him to perpetrate abuse at the ranch.

Why it matters

Epstein's ties to prominent New Mexico politicians, including two former governors and a state attorney general, raise questions about the state's failure to investigate complaints of sexual abuse at his ranch and why federal authorities did not search or seize the property before its 2023 sale. The case highlights concerns about the influence of money in politics and the need for greater accountability around sex crimes.

The details

Epstein spent about two months a year at his 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, which was allegedly a hub in his sex trafficking of children. He donated over $160,000 to five New Mexico political campaigns between 2002 and 2014, often being the biggest outside donor, including after his first sex offender conviction in 2008. Former Attorney General Gary King met with Epstein in 2010 and received a $35,600 donation to his 2014 gubernatorial campaign, which King later returned. The FBI visited the ranch in 2007 when King was in charge of state law enforcement, but King said his office was never informed of any federal investigation.

  • In 1993, Epstein bought the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch property from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King and his family.
  • In 2006, Epstein donated $15,000 to the campaign of Gary King, who was then the state's attorney general.
  • In 2010, Gary King met with Epstein at a Santa Fe restaurant.
  • In 2014, Epstein donated $35,600, the largest outside donation, to Gary King's gubernatorial campaign, which King later returned.
  • In February 2007, FBI agents visited the New Mexico ranch and questioned the manager about 'masseuses' Epstein hired.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who owned the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico and was convicted of sex crimes.

Bill Richardson

The late former Governor of New Mexico who had ties to Epstein.

Gary King

The former New Mexico Attorney General who met with Epstein and received campaign donations from him.

Teresa Leger Fernandez

A U.S. Congresswoman representing the area near the Zorro Ranch who is questioning why authorities never investigated complaints of sexual abuse at the property.

Bruce King

The late three-time former Governor of New Mexico who sold the Zorro Ranch property to Epstein in 1993.

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What they’re saying

“Once you know what's happened, to continue to take campaign contributions is reprehensible.”

— Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. Congresswoman

“I personally told Mr. Epstein that the campaign would NOT accept contributions from him as a result of his admitted criminal activities.”

— Gary King, Former New Mexico Attorney General

What’s next

The New Mexico state 'truth commission' will continue its investigation into Epstein's ties to powerful state politicians and any institutional failings that allowed him to operate at the Zorro Ranch.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of the influence of money in politics, particularly when it comes from individuals with a history of sex crimes. It also raises concerns about the failure of law enforcement at multiple levels to properly investigate allegations of abuse at Epstein's New Mexico property.