A bipartisan commission of New Mexico state lawmakers has launched a major investigation into Jeffrey Epsteinâs former Zorro Ranch, a sprawling 7,600-acre property south of Santa Fe near Stanley. The effort seeks to address long-standing concerns that federal authorities failed to conduct a thorough search of the remote high-desert estate following Epsteinâs 2019 arrest and death.
In February 2026, the New Mexico House unanimously approved the creation of a four-member bipartisan âTruth Commissionâ with subpoena power. Led by Democratic Rep. Andrea Romero and including both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, the panel aims to examine allegations of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and possible public corruption linked to the ranch. Victims have long claimed the secluded propertyâwith its mansion and private runwayâwas used in Epsteinâs criminal network.
In early March 2026, the New Mexico Department of Justice, under Attorney General RaĂșl Torrez, reopened its criminal investigation and conducted an extensive search of the ranchâthe first of its kind. Officials cited newly released FBI and DOJ files as providing fresh justification, after the stateâs original 2019 probe was paused at the request of federal prosecutors in New York. Investigators, assisted by state police and local agencies, emphasized they will âfollow the facts wherever they leadâ and collect any remaining evidence. The current owners cooperated with the search.
Parallel to the on-the-ground effort, Congress is examining the financial web that sustained Epsteinâs operations. In a closed-door House Oversight Committee deposition in March 2026, Epsteinâs longtime accountant and estate co-executor Richard Kahn testified that he was unaware of Epsteinâs sex crimes. Kahn identified several high-profile individuals who provided funds to Epstein, including Les Wexner, Leon Black, Glenn Dubin, and others, but stated he saw no financial transactions involving Donald Trump or his family. Questions arose about a settlement paid by Epsteinâs estate to a woman who had accused both Epstein and Trump of misconduct, though the claim remains disputed and details were later clarified in testimony.
These dual tracksâthe physical search of Zorro Ranch and the forensic review of financial recordsârepresent a significant push for accountability. For survivors and advocates, the renewed scrutiny of this once-overlooked symbol of Epsteinâs secrecy offers hope that previously unexamined aspects of his network may finally come to light. As the Truth Commission moves forward with hiring legal and investigative staff, officials continue to accept public tips while stressing a methodical, evidence-based approach.
