Epstein Victims Continue to Come Forward as New Mexico Probes Zorro Ranch Crimes

Authorities in New Mexico have launched an investigation into crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein that allegedly took place at the Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. Following the release of the Epstein Files, the state passed legislation to form the Truth Commission to look into institutional failings that allowed the disgraced financier to abuse victims on the property.

Multiple victims have already claimed that they were flown to the ranch and s—---- assaulted by Epstein and his associates. The Truth Commission is now contacting local residents in New Mexico who were allegedly abused by the convicted s– offender.

New Mexico State Representative Marianna Anaya has confirmed that locals have already come forward describing abuse they allegedly suffered at Epstein’s hands. “I can confirm that we have been reached out to by local alleged victims,” Anaya said in a statement to Reuters.

The Truth Commission is now probing the cases along with the state Department of Justice. The victims might also help expose Epstein’s co-conspirators. Earlier in February, during the establishment of the commission, Anaya urged people with any information about the abuse at Zorro Ranch to report it to authorities.

“That perpetrator could not act alone. They could not run a s-- ring alone; they could not commit these types of financial crimes alone. So we know as a commission that enablers must also be held accountable, including the state itself, if needed. If you do want to share, we’ll be here, and we will be operating with confidentiality,” the Democratic leader said during a press conference.

Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993 from the family of former New Mexico governor Bruce King. He maintained the ownership of the property until his death in his prison cell in August 2019. One of Epstein’s victims, Maria Farmer, reported that she was abused at the ranch in 1996. However, no significant raid or investigation took place at the property until after Epstein's death.

The Department of Justice’s release of the Epstein Files brought the estate back into the spotlight. In a 2019 email declassified in the files, an anonymous former employee claimed that two foreign girls were buried in the hills outside the property on the orders of Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Authorities are currently investigating these claims.

Apart from institutional failings, the Truth Commission will also investigate Epstein's relationships with former governors and political figures, the alleged abuse that occurred on Zorro Ranch, and the 1993 purchase of the property and its subsequent leases.

The commission is expected to run for 18 months and generate a public report in 2027. The committee has been formed with a $2 million budget and has been granted special privileges. including the power to subpoena. Along with Anaya, state Representatives Andrea Romero, William "Bill" Hall, Andrea Reeb, and Cynthia Borrego sponsored legislation to investigate Epstein's Zorro Ranch crimes.