Lawmaker Describes “Disturbing and Illegal” Conditions at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch as New Mexico Reopens Investigation
A renewed criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sprawling New Mexico compound, long viewed as one of the most secretive locations tied to his trafficking network, is bringing fresh scrutiny to allegations that underage victims were transported across state lines and abused at the remote property.
State officials say the decision to reopen the case follows the release of previously sealed federal investigative material, which prosecutors believe may contain new evidence about what occurred at the ranch south of Santa Fe. The development comes amid intensifying political pressure and emotional testimony from lawmakers who say the allegations tied to the property are among the most disturbing elements of the broader Epstein scandal.
Investigation Reopened After New Federal Revelations
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez confirmed that special agents and prosecutors are seeking access to the complete, unredacted federal case file tied to Epstein. The state originally closed its investigation in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York. At the time, authorities had interviewed potential victims who said they had visited the ranch, but no criminal charges were filed locally.
Now, officials say newly revealed information from federal authorities warrants a second look. The state has also established a truth commission tasked with examining not only alleged abuse at the ranch but also whether systemic failures or corruption among public officials may have allowed Epstein to operate in New Mexico without registering as a sex offender after his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
“Disturbing, Disgusting, Illegal” Allegations
New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has publicly urged federal and state investigators to pursue a comprehensive inquiry, describing the allegations linked to the ranch as deeply troubling. Her concerns echo statements from other political leaders who have characterized reported activity at the property as involving “disturbing,” “disgusting,” and potentially illegal conduct.
Survivor testimony and legal filings have long suggested Epstein used multiple residences, including his private Caribbean island, Manhattan mansion, Palm Beach home, and the New Mexico ranch, as part of a network where girls and young women were recruited, trafficked, and sexually abused.
Some accusers have claimed they were flown from Florida or other locations to remote properties, including the New Mexico compound, where they were isolated from support systems and subjected to exploitation.
A Remote Compound With Powerful Visitors
Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch property in 1993 and developed it into a secluded complex featuring a hilltop mansion, private airstrip, helipad, ranch office buildings, and extensive state leased grazing land. The compound appears repeatedly in federal investigative documents released in recent months.
Records and testimony indicate that numerous high-profile figures, including business leaders, academics, entertainers, and politicians visited the ranch over the years.
Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was among those documented as having been there. Following earlier scrutiny tied to Epstein, Richardson donated campaign contributions he had received from Epstein to charity.
Survivors Continue to Seek Accountability
The renewed investigation coincides with a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Epstein’s estate. Attorneys representing accusers say the agreement, pending judicial approval, would provide between $25 million and $35 million in compensation, depending on how many victims qualify. This would add to the more than $169 million already distributed through prior compensation programs and legal settlements involving Epstein’s estate. Despite these payouts, survivors and advocates argue that financial settlements cannot replace full accountability for alleged crimes or systemic failures that allowed Epstein’s operations to continue for years.
Property Now Under New Ownership
Epstein’s estate sold the ranch in 2023 to the family of Texas political figure Don Huffines, who is also heavily associated with Israel, with proceeds used to pay creditors. The new owners have renamed the property San Rafael Ranch and said they intend to operate a Christian retreat there. Representatives for the family have stated they have not yet been approached by law enforcement seeking access but would cooperate fully if requested.
A Key Piece of the Epstein Puzzle
As investigators revisit allegations tied to Zorro Ranch, the property is once again emerging as a critical focal point in understanding the full scope of Epstein’s trafficking network. Thousands of references to the ranch appear in federal files, and lawmakers say the public deserves clarity about whether crimes occurred there and whether earlier investigations were constrained by jurisdictional disputes or institutional pressure.
For survivors, including some who say they were transported from Florida to remote locations under Epstein’s control, the renewed probe represents another chance to uncover the truth about one of the most shadowed chapters in a scandal that continues to reverberate across the legal and political landscape.
