For years, a sprawling and heavily guarded ranch in southern New Mexico remained largely hidden from public attention, even as troubling allegations quietly followed it. Now, state lawmakers are taking steps to formally examine what may have occurred at the property and why repeated claims were never fully addressed by authorities.
On Thursday, two New Mexico legislators — Andrea Romero of Santa Fe and Marianna Anaya of Albuquerque — presented a proposal calling for the creation of a special “truth commission.” The proposed panel would investigate alleged sexual abuse connected to the ranch and review how state systems handled reports over several decades. Lawmakers emphasized that the goal is fact-finding and accountability, not punishment, and that the effort is especially important for survivors who say their concerns were ignored.
A Long-Hidden Ranch and Serious Allegations
The property at the center of the proposal is Zorro Ranch, a 7,560-acre estate located in southern Santa Fe County, near the small community of Stanley, about 40 miles south of Santa Fe. Because of its size, remote setting, and private security, the ranch remained largely inaccessible to the public for years.
Epstein emails show continued contact with Katherine Keating family years after conviction
Several women have alleged they were sexually abused at the ranch when they were minors. These claims span multiple years and describe repeated incidents that allegedly took place within the property. Zorro Ranch includes a main mansion measuring approximately 26,700 square feet, along with about a dozen other structures, giving it the appearance of a secluded compound.
The ranch was owned by Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019 at the age of 66. Epstein purchased the property in 1993 from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. While Epstein’s criminal conduct in other locations became widely known, lawmakers said what allegedly occurred at the New Mexico ranch was never subjected to a thorough public investigation.
According to Romero and Anaya, this lack of scrutiny has left major gaps in the historical record. Despite multiple allegations tied to the ranch, no comprehensive review was conducted to determine what happened, who may have been aware of the claims, or how complaints were handled by state agencies.
State Failures and Missed Chances to Act
Speaking before the interim legislative Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, the lawmakers said the proposed truth commission would closely examine how New Mexico state institutions responded — or failed to respond — to reports linked to the ranch. This would include reviewing whether allegations were properly recorded, whether investigations were delayed or dropped, and whether warning signs were overlooked.
Justice Department moves to block independent oversight as millions of Epstein files remain sealed
They told committee members that when systems designed to protect children and vulnerable individuals do not function as intended, the harm can persist for decades. Survivors may be left without answers, while the public remains unaware of how serious allegations were managed behind closed doors across New Mexico.
Lawmakers stressed that the issue is not limited to individual actions, but also involves institutional responsibility. They noted that cases involving wealthy individuals, private properties, and remote locations can expose weaknesses in oversight and accountability. A truth commission, they argued, provides a structured and transparent way to review these failures based on evidence rather than speculation.
Romero and Anaya also highlighted that many survivors have never had a formal or safe setting to share their experiences. By collecting testimony and reviewing official records, the commission would aim to create a clear and factual account of events as they unfolded.
What the Proposed Truth Commission Would Do
Under the proposal, the truth commission would operate as an independent body with a limited and clearly defined mission. Its role would be to gather facts related to alleged abuse at Zorro Ranch and to review how New Mexico state agencies responded to reports over time.
Petra bill ignites firestorm over Epstein’s $170M link to Peter Thiel
The commission’s work would include examining documents, hearing from survivors who choose to participate, and evaluating how different government entities handled information connected to the property. Lawmakers emphasized that the commission would not prosecute cases or make predictions about outcomes, but would focus on assembling an accurate historical record for New Mexico residents.
The proposal was presented strictly as a review of past events, centered on transparency and public understanding. Lawmakers said that when serious allegations go unexamined for years, trust in public institutions can weaken. By placing verified information on the record, the commission would help clarify what is known, what actions were taken, and where systems may have failed, based on records, testimony, and documented actions rather than silence.
