In Stanley, New Mexico, law enforcement officials have commenced their first-ever search of Jeffrey Epstein’s sprawling ranch, seeking evidence related to alleged abuses that may have taken place at the Old West-themed property. This development has intensified public scrutiny on the prominent former political figures in New Mexico who maintained relationships with Epstein and continued to accept his campaign contributions even after he was registered as a convicted sex offender.
The focus of the investigation has expanded beyond the ranch itself to include the ties Epstein had with key Democratic Party leaders in the state. This group notably includes two former governors and a former state attorney general. A unique state-level “truth commission” has been established to examine not only these connections but also the systemic failures that might have allowed Epstein to carry out his criminal activities at the ranch undetected for years. This commission is the first of its kind in the United States, aiming to uncover the full extent of institutional lapses.
Zorro Ranch, where Epstein reportedly spent approximately two months annually, has been identified as a central location in his alleged sex trafficking network. a 2020 letter from the New Mexico Attorney General’s office and a trove of documents recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the ranch was part of a broader trafficking operation spanning the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York, and Florida. Despite the gravity of these allegations, Epstein’s financial influence in New Mexico was relatively modest; he contributed just over $160,000 to five political campaigns between 2002 and 2014. Yet, even after his 2008 conviction for sex offenses, he remained one of the largest external donors to several campaigns.
While extensive investigations have not uncovered any direct evidence that Epstein received favors or benefits in exchange for his donations, his connections with high-profile figures such as the late Governor Bill Richardson and former Attorney General Gary King have drawn significant attention. King, who served as the state’s top law enforcement official, reportedly maintained contact with Epstein after his felony conviction, including a meeting in 2010. This has raised serious questions about the judgment of political leaders who continued to engage with Epstein despite his criminal record.
U.S. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, representing the region south of Santa Fe, has openly criticized the ongoing relationships between Epstein and New Mexico politicians. Speaking during a protest at Zorro Ranch in early March, she condemned the acceptance of campaign contributions from Epstein post-conviction as “reprehensible.” She also questioned why complaints of sexual abuse at the ranch were never thoroughly investigated by federal, state, or local authorities. Moreover, she highlighted the puzzling decision by federal officials to instruct state investigators to halt a child trafficking inquiry in 2019, without ever conducting a search or seizure of the ranch prior to its sale in 2023.
Gary King has denied visiting Epstein’s ranch or soliciting donations from him after the latter’s Florida conviction. He stated that he personally informed Epstein that his campaign would not accept contributions due to Epstein’s criminal history. King suggested that any campaign letters requesting donations from Epstein were routine mailings sent without his direct knowledge. This explanation, however, has done little to quell public skepticism, especially given the documented donations and interactions between the two men.
The origins of Epstein’s New Mexico property trace back to 1993, when he purchased 7,500 acres from the family of Bruce King, a three-time governor of the state. Bruce King’s son, Gary King, was involved in the transaction. Epstein paid approximately $3.75 million for the land, a price considered fair market value at the time. Following the acquisition, Epstein developed the ranch into what locals have dubbed the “Victoria’s Secret Ranch,” referencing rumors that lingerie models frequently visited the property. Epstein’s ability to network was well-known; he invited a wide array of influential individuals, including scientists, politicians, billionaires, and celebrities, to the ranch. Some of these visitors reportedly made comments about the presence of young women there, as revealed in emails from the Epstein files.
In 2006, Epstein contributed $15,000 to Gary King’s campaign. King has stated that he did not return the donation because there were no public allegations against Epstein at that time. The two men met only once, in 2010, at a Santa Fe restaurant, where Epstein expressed condolences over the death of King’s father. Correspondence from 2009 indicates that staff from Zorro Ranch attended Bruce King’s funeral. During their meeting, King recalled discussing Epstein’s involvement with the Santa Fe Institute, a respected scientific research organization.
Epstein’s financial support for King’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign was more substantial, totaling $35,600 and representing the largest outside donation. However, King returned these funds three days after media reports brought Epstein’s involvement to light. Around the same time, Epstein arranged a private jet charter for King to attend a campaign event in Washington, D.C., with King’s campaign covering the cost. King later expressed regret, stating that had he been aware of Epstein’s role, he would have chosen a different charter service. Now retired from politics, King leads the New Mexico Children’s Foundation and emphasized that during his tenure as attorney general, he ran extensive programs targeting crimes against children and human trafficking. He also insisted that his office never received any information about Epstein’s alleged criminal activities.
Further complicating the narrative, FBI agents visited Zorro Ranch in February 2007, during King’s time as attorney general, to question the ranch manager about masseuses Epstein employed or brought in. Despite this, King maintains that the U.S. Department of Justice never informed his office of any ongoing investigations related to Epstein. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Fe Police Department and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, have stated they have no records of complaints or are currently reviewing any allegations connected to Epstein. Meanwhile, the New Mexico State Police have not responded to inquiries.
In a recent move, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez reopened the state’s investigation into Epstein in February 2023, signaling renewed efforts to uncover the truth. The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI have declined to comment on the ongoing inquiries. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on how Epstein’s network operated within New Mexico and why multiple layers of law enforcement and political leadership seemingly failed to act decisively against a convicted sex offender with alleged ties to some of the state’s most powerful figures.
