New Mexico Will Investigate Zorro Ranch Activities

New Mexico lawmakers have agreed to look closely into what happened at Zorro Ranch, a property once owned by Jeffrey Epstein. This check will help find out about any bad actions that took place there and who might have known about them.
By Newsroom | New Mexico, Crime |

New Mexico lawmakers have officially approved a comprehensive investigation into the activities at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. This move signals a significant step towards understanding and accounting for alleged criminal behavior on the property. The investigation, championed by a bipartisan committee, aims to uncover what happened at the ranch, where the late sex offender is accused of trafficking and abusing girls and women.

Bipartisan Committee Approves Full Investigation of Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico - 1

Background of the Zorro Ranch Investigation

The decision to investigate Zorro Ranch, located outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, follows years of allegations and recent revelations from Epstein-related documents.

Bipartisan Committee Approves Full Investigation of Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico - 2

  • Allegations: Survivors have accused Epstein of sexual assault and trafficking at the ranch. Some claims suggest the abuse involved minors.

  • Political Connections: Records indicate ties between Epstein and New Mexico political figures, including former governors and an attorney general. Epstein reportedly made political contributions to New Mexico Democrats.

  • Past Investigations: Previous attempts by New Mexico law enforcement to search the property were reportedly halted by the Trump administration's FBI.

  • Recent Developments: A state land commissioner formally requested an investigation based on anonymous claims within the recently released Epstein files. Simultaneously, legislative efforts to create an investigative body gained momentum.

Legislative Action and Scope of Inquiry

A unanimous vote in the New Mexico House of Representatives has established a special investigatory subcommittee, also referred to as a "truth commission." This bipartisan panel is tasked with a broad mandate.

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  • Purpose: The commission will examine allegations of criminal activity, public corruption, and institutional failures linked to Zorro Ranch.

  • Methodology: The committee is empowered to gather testimonies from survivors and witnesses.

  • Goal: A primary objective is to identify individuals who were involved in or aware of the alleged crimes.

  • Potential Outcome: If successful, New Mexico could be the first state to provide a full public accounting of Epstein's activities within its borders.

Survivor Accounts and Connections

Key figures and accounts have fueled the demand for this investigation.

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  • Virginia Giuffre: A prominent accuser, Giuffre has stated she was repeatedly abused at Zorro Ranch.

  • Anonymized Claims: Recent Epstein file releases include anonymous claims alleging the burial of two girls' bodies near the ranch.

  • Ghislaine Maxwell: During a deposition, Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right and indicated a willingness to speak only if granted clemency.

Political Landscape and Inquiries

The investigation unfolds amidst broader scrutiny of Epstein's network and its connections.

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  • Campaign Contributions: Epstein’s contributions to New Mexico Democrats, including those to sons of former governors, have drawn attention.

  • Department of Justice Releases: The recent release of Epstein-related documents by the Department of Justice has intensified pressure on political figures, particularly Democrats.

  • Trump Administration Involvement: Reports suggest the Trump-era FBI intervened to stop past state-level searches of Zorro Ranch.

  • President Trump Mentioned: In a significant number of the released Epstein files, President Trump is reportedly mentioned.

State and Federal Agency Responses

While the legislature moves forward, other entities have also responded to the allegations.

  • State Land Office: The State Land Commissioner has taken allegations seriously, particularly concerning the potential misuse of state trust lands. However, the office cited a lack of resources for a full investigation, indicating a willingness to contract an outside agency if necessary.

  • Attorney General's Office: The Chief Deputy Attorney General stated that the department is taking the allegations seriously.

  • Federal Prosecutors: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison has also been formally requested to investigate.

Expert Analysis

"The creation of this bipartisan 'truth commission' represents a crucial step in holding individuals accountable and potentially uncovering systemic failures that allowed such alleged crimes to occur and go unaddressed for so long."

"The historical context of political influence and alleged obstruction by federal agencies adds layers of complexity. Understanding these dynamics will be vital for the commission's success in achieving transparency and justice for survivors."

Findings and Future Implications

The New Mexico legislature's unanimous approval of a comprehensive investigation into Zorro Ranch marks a pivotal moment. The establishment of a bipartisan "truth commission" signals a commitment to exploring serious allegations of sex trafficking and abuse. The inquiry's broad scope, including examining public corruption and institutional failures, suggests a determination to uncover the full extent of activities at the ranch and identify all responsible parties. The investigation's success could provide a crucial public accounting and serve as a model for addressing similar issues in other jurisdictions.

  • The investigation is poised to gather survivor testimonies and examine evidence of alleged criminal activity.

  • The scope includes potential corruption and failures by institutions that may have allowed crimes to persist.

  • New Mexico aims to be the first state to offer a complete public record of Epstein's alleged actions within its borders.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Zorro Ranch?
Zorro Ranch was a property in New Mexico owned by Jeffrey Epstein. People say bad things happened there.
Q: Why are lawmakers investigating?
They want to learn about claims of bad actions and abuse that may have happened at the ranch.
Q: Who is being investigated?
The investigation looks into activities at the ranch and anyone who knew about or was part of them.
Q: What do survivors say?
Some survivors have said they were hurt at the ranch. There are also claims of bodies being buried there.
Q: What happens next?
Lawmakers will gather stories and look for facts to understand what happened.