New Mexico Lawmakers Open Investigation Into Epstein's Zorro Ranch

New Mexico lawmakers on Monday opened an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch after it was mentioned several times in recently released Epstein documents.

The Details: The legislation, passed unanimously, created a special bipartisan committee of two Republicans and two Democrats who will investigate allegations of criminal activity at the 7,600-acre ranch, which is located 30 miles from Santa Fe. It would also seek testimony from survivors of alleged abuse and trafficking at the ranch through a "Truth Commission." According to Reuters (Center bias), the committee will release interim findings in July and a final report by the end of the year. 

Alleged Crimes at Zorro Ranch: Last week, New Mexico's Department of Justice requested unredacted access from the Department of Justice to an anonymous email from 2019 that alleged two "foreign girls" were killed and buried at Zorro Ranch. The tip, which radio host Eddy Aragon shared with the FBI, reportedly included video footage of Epstein assaulting and strangling the women, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican (Center). 

Other Allegations: Reuters reported Epstein was named in several civil suits accusing him of sexual assault at the ranch, though he was never charged. It also cited reports from a ranch manager in 2007 who said Epstein would fly in guests and "masseuses" and hired local massage therapists to work there. According to Axios (Lean Left), Epstein accuser Annie Farmer said in 2021 she was abused by both Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell at the ranch when she was 16 years old. 

How the Media Covered It: Daily Caller (Right) and Washington Times (Lean Right) emphasized the committee's goal to "fill in the gaps" and expose what happened at the ranch. Some outlets on the left, including The Guardian (Left), The Independent (Lean Left) and Daily Beast (Left) noted the ranch was bought in 2023 by self-identified "Trump Republican" Donald Huffines, a Texas businessman and former GOP state senator currently running for comptroller.

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