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New Mexico Truth Commission Moves to Investigate Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, Plans Site Visit

Updated (2 articles)
  • Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019.
    Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019.
    Image: Newsweek
    Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019. Source Full size
  • Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019.
    Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019.
    Image: Newsweek
    Epstein in Cambridge, Massachusetts on September 8th, 2004 and Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. on Monday, July 8, 2019. Source Full size

Bipartisan Truth Commission Established With Full Subpoena Power New Mexico House passed a unanimous 62‑0 measure on Feb. 17, 2026 creating a four‑member bipartisan Truth Commission to probe alleged crimes at the former Zorro Ranch; the panel can compel witness attendance and issue subpoenas and must deliver an interim report by July 31 and a final report by Dec. 31 before dissolving on Jan. 1, 2027 [2].

Justice Department Email Suggests Possible Buried Victims The commission’s investigation was spurred by a 2019 DOJ‑released email that alleges two foreign girls were buried on state land near the ranch on orders of “Jeffrey and Madam G,” a claim that remains unverified and has not been pursued by law‑enforcement agencies [2].

House Panel Plans On‑Site Inspection and Legislative Reform The bipartisan “Epstein Truth Commission” led by Rep. Andrea Romero held its first meeting on Feb. 18, 2026, outlining plans to visit the 7,500‑acre property, gather testimony, and compile an official record; while it cannot file criminal charges, it aims to identify statute‑of‑limitations gaps and recommend reforms for survivor justice [1].

Huffines Family Purchases Ranch, Promises Victim Benefits Former Texas senator Don Huffines’s family bought the estate in 2023, renamed it San Rafael Ranch, and announced it will become a Christian retreat with signage proclaiming “Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord”; Huffines asserts that proceeds from the sale will be directed to Epstein survivors [1][2].

Sources

Timeline

2019 – A Justice Department‑obtained email alleges that two foreign girls were buried on state land near Zorro Ranch on orders of “Jeffrey and Madam G,” a claim that remains unverified and uninvestigated by law enforcement. [1]

2020 – Victims testify at Ghislaine Maxwell’s federal sex‑trafficking trial, naming Zorro Ranch as a site of abuse and linking the property to the broader Epstein trafficking network. [2]

2023 – The family of former Texas senator Don Huffines purchases the 7,500‑acre Zorro Ranch, renames it San Rafael Ranch, and announces plans to convert it into a Christian retreat, with sale proceeds earmarked for Epstein survivors. [2]

Feb 17, 2026 – The New Mexico House passes a bipartisan measure creating a Truth Commission to investigate alleged criminal activity at the former Zorro Ranch, granting subpoena power and requiring an interim report by July 31 and a full report by Dec 31, after which the commission dissolves on Jan 1, 2027. [1]

Feb 17, 2026 – Rep. Melanie Stansbury says New Mexico is filling a federal investigative gap by establishing the commission, emphasizing state action where the federal government has failed. [1]

Feb 17, 2026 – Rep. Marianna Anaya calls the commission’s subpoena authority “critical,” pledging collaboration with the state DOJ to protect survivors and witnesses. [1]

Feb 18, 2026 – The bipartisan “Epstein Truth Commission,” led by Rep. Andrea Romero, holds its first meeting, outlines plans to gather testimony and documents, and announces intent to conduct an on‑site investigation of the ranch “sooner rather than later.” [2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Commission members warn they will pursue “no stone unturned,” may issue subpoenas, and aim to create an official record and recommend legal reforms despite lacking authority to bring criminal charges. [2]

Feb 18, 2026 – Don Huffines reiterates on social media that the ranch will be “reclaimed for Jesus,” highlighting the new entrance sign “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO COME IN THE NAME OF THE LORD” and framing the sale proceeds as support for victims. [2]

July 31, 2026 – The Truth Commission must deliver an interim report to New Mexico House leadership, summarizing findings and recommendations before the end of the legislative session. [1]

Dec 31, 2026 – The commission must submit a full report to all House members, concluding its investigative work before dissolution on Jan 1, 2027. [1]

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