New Mexico Epstein Commission Continued Work

A state legislative panel maintains its investigation into activities at the former Zorro Ranch.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a geometric silhouette of a ranch fence against a desert horizon, evoking a state investigation. — The New Mexico legislative commission continues its formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s former 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch property near Stanley. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A four-member legislative commission continues its probe into Jeffrey Epstein's presence in New Mexico. The panel is utilizing a $2 million budget to examine activities linked to the late financier.

Why it matters

The state House established the commission to conduct a formal investigation into Epstein's long-standing connection to New Mexico. This effort seeks to uncover the nature of his operations at the property he purchased decades ago.

The commission has issued subpoenas to various agencies and businesses to gather evidence. Its four members are currently overseeing the production of a final report following a 119-page interim filing.

The players

Andrea Romero

Rep. Andrea Romero is a state representative who resigned from a position with the 1st Judicial District Attorney's office following ethics concerns.

Raúl Torrez

Raúl Torrez is the Attorney General of New Mexico who issued a memo regarding the legality of Rep. Romero's employment.

Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who owned the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico until his death in 2019.

New Mexico Department of Justice

The New Mexico Department of Justice is the state agency leading the legal search and litigation efforts regarding the Zorro Ranch.

The details

The New Mexico Department of Justice conducted a search of the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley in March. State investigators are also pursuing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the broader inquiry into the site.

Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York City jail in 2019.
State investigators searched Zorro Ranch in March 2026.
Republicans accused Rep. Andrea Romero of altering an interim report in August 2026.
The commission's final report is due by the end of 2026.

Legal Context

The commission's work follows the pattern of state-level scrutiny triggered by the 2019 death of Jeffrey Epstein in a New York City jail. This inquiry highlights how jurisdictions are moving to examine long-dormant questions surrounding the financier's former properties.

Residents may see continued activity and reporting regarding the Zorro Ranch as state investigators pursue their legal action. The commission's ongoing use of public funds ensures that the investigation remains a point of state-wide legislative interest.

The takeaway

The state remains focused on resolving legal questions tied to the Zorro Ranch property. Officials expect the final report to provide clarity on the timeline and scope of activities that occurred at the site.