Santa Fe, United States. New Mexico lawmakers have passed legislation to launch what they described as the first full investigation into what happened at Zorro Ranch, where the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is accused of trafficking and sexually assaulting girls and women.
Committee mandate and testimony
A bipartisan committee will seek testimony from survivors of alleged sexual abuse at the ranch, located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe, the state capital. Legislators are also urging local residents to testify.
Commission scope and focus
The so-called truth commission, comprising four lawmakers, seeks to identify ranch guests and state officials who may have known what was going on at the 7,600-acre property, or taken part in alleged sexual abuse in its hacienda-style mansion and guest houses.
Epstein’s death and federal case
Epstein died in what was ruled a suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges.
Political context and released files
The Democratic-led investigation adds to political pressure to uncover Epstein’s crimes that has become a major challenge for President Donald Trump, weeks after the Justice Department released millions of Epstein-related files that shed new light on activities at the ranch. The files reveal ties between Epstein and two former Democratic governors and an attorney general of New Mexico.
Legislation passage and potential implications
The legislation passed New Mexico’s House of Representatives by a unanimous vote. It could pose risks to any additional politicians linked to Epstein in the Democratic-run state, as well as scientists, investors and other high-profile individuals who visited the ranch.
Funding, powers, and timeline
The $2.5 million investigation has subpoena power and aims to close gaps in New Mexico law that may have allowed Epstein to operate in the state. The committee starts work on Tuesday and will deliver interim findings in July and a final report by year-end.
Lawmakers’ statements
“He was basically doing anything he wanted in this state without any accountability whatsoever,” said New Mexico state Representative Andrea Romero, a Democrat who co-sponsored the initiative. She said testimony to the committee could be used for future prosecutions.
What questions do you have about the commission’s scope and timeline?
