SANTA FE, N.M. (March 1, 2026) — New Mexico officials have launched a coordinated, two-pronged effort to re-examine allegations of criminal activity, sex trafficking, and possible public corruption at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County, combining a new legislative “Truth Commission” with a reopened criminal investigation by the state Department of Justice.

The dual approach marks the most significant state-level scrutiny of the 7,500-acre property — once owned by the late convicted sex offender — since a prior state probe was shelved in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors.

On February 16, 2026, the New Mexico House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 1, creating the bipartisan Epstein Truth Commission. The four-member panel, drawn equally from both parties, held its first meeting the following day and is armed with full subpoena power, the ability to compel sworn testimony, and a budget exceeding $2 million (funded in part through prior human-trafficking settlements).

Commission members include:

•  Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), chair and lead sponsor, who has emphasized hearing directly from survivors and pursuing “persons of interest” without delay.

•  Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque), a victims’ advocate focused on institutional accountability.

•  Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis), a former district attorney experienced in prosecuting sexual assault and crimes against children.

•  Rep. William “Bill” Hall II (R-Aztec), a retired FBI Special Agent.

The commission’s mandate includes examining what occurred at Zorro Ranch, why Epstein was never required to register as a sex offender in New Mexico despite his 2008 Florida conviction, and whether local or state officials “looked the other way.” An initial report is expected by July 2026, with a final report due by year’s end.

Just three days later, on February 19, Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced that the New Mexico Department of Justice is reopening its criminal investigation into alleged illegal activity at the ranch. The decision was triggered by newly unsealed federal Epstein files that contain “revelations” warranting fresh scrutiny.

NMDOJ special agents and prosecutors are now seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and will collaborate with law enforcement partners — including the Truth Commission. “We will follow the facts wherever they lead,” the department stated.

Among the fresh leads drawing attention is a 2019 anonymous email sent to Albuquerque radio host Eddy Aragon. The sender, claiming to be a former Zorro Ranch employee, alleged that two foreign girls were buried on the property “on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G” (widely interpreted as referring to Ghislaine Maxwell) after dying during “rough fetish sex.” The email offered videos and coordinates in exchange for one Bitcoin (then worth roughly $8,000). State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has urged authorities to obtain the unredacted metadata and investigate the coordinates using advanced forensic tools such as LDAR and LiDAR.

The ranch, located near Stanley in Santa Fe County, was never searched by law enforcement during Epstein’s lifetime despite multiple allegations of abuse by survivors. It sold in 2023 and is now known as Rancho San Rafael.

Officials from both parties have stressed the investigations are not partisan but seek long-overdue accountability for New Mexico victims and the restoration of public trust.

“New Mexicans deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it,” Romero said.

The dual tracks — legislative fact-finding with subpoena authority and an active criminal probe — represent New Mexico’s most aggressive response yet to Epstein’s activities in the state and the perceived failures of earlier federal and state oversight.

Investigators continue to seek tips from the public. The New Mexico Department of Justice has an active tip line for anyone with information related to Zorro Ranch or Epstein’s activities in the state. Tips can be sent to the NM AG’s office at https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/epstein-zorro-tips/

Citations / Sources:

• New Mexico Department of Justice official press release: “Statement from the New Mexico Department of Justice Regarding Zorro Ranch” (February 19, 2026): https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/statement-from-the-new-mexico-department-of-justice-regarding-zorro-ranch/

• Reuters / Source New Mexico: Coverage of the 2019 “Bitcoin email” allegation, State Land Commissioner’s request, and DOJ pursuit of unredacted files (February 10–20, 2026).

• House Resolution 1 full text and legislative history: https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=R&LegNo=1&year=26

2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org state IPRA requests NMDoJ 

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