Lawmakers in the New Mexico House of Representatives have unanimously approved a measure creating a state-level commission to investigate past activities at Zorro Ranch, the sprawling property once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The vote, held in Santa Fe, marks a significant step in examining allegations that the ranch was used as a site of sexual abuse and trafficking during Epstein’s ownership.
The property, known as Zorro Ranch, is located near Stanley and spans thousands of acres, including a hilltop mansion and private airstrip. Although the ranch was mentioned in civil lawsuits and survivor testimony over the years, lawmakers said no comprehensive state investigation had previously been conducted into alleged criminal activities there.
The newly formed bipartisan commission will have the authority to review records, compel testimony, and gather accounts from witnesses and survivors. Legislators backing the measure said the goal is to establish a clearer public record of what occurred at the ranch and determine whether any failures in oversight or enforcement allowed misconduct to go unchecked. An initial report from the commission is expected later this year.
Epstein purchased the ranch in the 1990s and retained ownership until his death in 2019 while awaiting federal trial on sex-trafficking charges. The property was later sold in 2023 to businessman and former political candidate Don Huffines, who has indicated he would cooperate with any lawful inquiry.
Supporters of the investigation describe it as a necessary effort toward transparency and accountability for survivors who have long sought answers about what allegedly occurred at the remote estate. Coverage of the legislative action has been reported by national and regional outlets including Reuters and Associated Press, reflecting renewed public attention on the legacy of Epstein’s operations and the unanswered questions surrounding his New Mexico property.
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