New Mexico investigates Epstein’s connections to powerful figures

Saturday 21 March 2026 - 11:15

Authorities in New Mexico have begun a detailed investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to influential figures in the state, following searches of his former Zorro Ranch property for evidence of abuse. The ranch, designed with an Old West theme, is under scrutiny as a potential site of criminal activity involving minors.

The state legislature has established a pioneering “truth commission” to examine how Epstein’s connections to political leaders may have allowed him to maintain influence despite his status as a registered sex offender. This includes relationships with state Democratic Party officials, including two former governors and a former attorney general. The commission will also review institutional failures that might have enabled abuse at the property.

Documents from the New Mexico Attorney General’s office, as well as records released by the U.S. Department of Justice, suggest that Zorro Ranch may have been a center for Epstein’s trafficking operations, connecting locations across the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York, and Florida. Despite his criminal record, Epstein contributed over $160,000 to political campaigns in New Mexico between 2002 and 2014, often becoming one of the largest outside donors.

The investigation highlights ongoing questions about political accountability and the intersection of wealth, influence, and criminal behavior. As authorities continue to collect evidence, the commission aims to provide transparency and insight into the mechanisms that allowed Epstein’s activities to persist.