New Mexico lawmakers have launched a bipartisan effort to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch in the state. The property, called Zorro Ranch, is thought to be a site of human trafficking and sexual assault.
The bill establishing the subcommittee, sponsored by Santa Fe Democrat Andrea Romero, says the commission will be tasked with investigating “allegations of criminal activity and public corruption” in order to secure information dictating whether legislation or other action is needed. According to the legislation, four representatives, two from each major party, will serve in the subcommittee.
Following the vote, Romero said state residents “deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it. We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epstein’s activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record.”
“With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward,” Romero said, as per Source NM.
Recently-released files surrounding Jeffrey Epstein reveal his links to former New Mexico officials, including two former Democratic governors and an attorney general.
Source NM reports that Epstein purchased the 7,500-acre ranch from former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King in 1993.
There are also allegations that two girls were buried near the ranch after being strangled. The New Mexico Department of Justice sent a letter on the matter to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, requesting access to an unredacted version of a file to investigate the claims.
