House Passes Resolution to Investigate Epstein’s Ties to New Mexico

Resolution creates an Epstein Truth Commission to investigate allegations of criminal activity at Zorro Ranch and make recommendations on how to prevent such crimes going forward; Committee will hold first meeting tomorrow morning 

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to create a legislative committee called the Epstein Truth Commission to investigate allegations of criminal activity and public corruption at the former Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, previously owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. House Resolution 1 passed the House unanimously. 

“New Mexicans deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it,” said lead sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). “We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epstein’s activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward.” 

The special, temporary committee of the House members will be authorized to conduct research through the end of 2026. The group will evaluate whether local or state officers appropriately investigated allegations of criminal activity at the ranch. They will also determine whether legislative action may be needed to prevent and punish such crimes, protect children and other vulnerable groups, or to establish sufficient procedures to pursue civil justice going forward. 

The Epstein Truth Commission can conduct hearings, allow alleged victims to testify, compel attendance of witnesses, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas. It can also potentially compensate victims with funds seized from Epstein’s bank accounts. The committee will also examine whether New Mexico’s statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault survivors is too short and whether there are gaps in the state’s registry laws for sexual offenders. 

“We owe it to the survivors who were harmed in New Mexico to do everything we can to finally get answers and create reliable records about what happened at Zorro Ranch,” said co-sponsor Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque). “Our goal for this committee is not only to uncover the truth about the crimes committed by Epstein and his associates in New Mexico, but to hold those responsible accountable and create more pathways for justice for all survivors of sexual abuse and assault in our state.”

The Epstein Truth Commission will comprise two Representatives from each political party. Because HR 1 only applies to processes within the House Chamber, it can take effect immediately. 

Shortly after the resolution passed, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez appointed Representative Romero, Representative Anaya, and HR 1 co-sponsors Representatives Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis) and William A. Hall II (R-Aztec) to serve on the committee. 

The committee will hold its first meeting tomorrow, February 17, 2026 at 10:30am in Room 315. The meeting will be webcast at nmlegis.gov. The committee must provide a report on its findings and recommendations to the House by the end of the year.

Zorro Ranch was a private, 10,000-acre estate in Santa Fe County owned by Epstein. Although Epstein was already a convicted sex offender at the time of purchase, he was not required to register as a sex offender under New Mexico law. In 2019, the New Mexico Department of Justice began an investigation into allegations of criminal activity, including child sexual abuse and human trafficking at the ranch. The investigation was eventually turned over to the FBI, and the property was sold in 2023. 

The Roundhouse will be open to the public for the entirety of this year’s 30-day session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

###