Zorro Ranch: New Mexico approves full investigation into property

New Mexico lawmakers unanimously approved legislation creating a bipartisan special committee to investigate allegations tied to Zorro Ranch; the committee will begin Tuesday and aims to deliver interim findings by July 31.

New Mexico lawmakers have passed a unanimous bill to launch a full investigation into activities at Zorro Ranch, a property once owned by Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation creates a bipartisan special committee of state representatives with subpoena powers. Officials say the committee will seek testimony from alleged survivors, area residents and others who may have information. The move follows the Justice Department's release of Epstein-related files that renewed scrutiny of the ranch. Key facts: - The bill was approved unanimously and establishes a special bipartisan committee of state representatives with subpoena authority. - The committee plans to gather testimony from alleged survivors, area residents and to review public records and other evidence. - The investigation is set to begin Tuesday, with interim findings due by July 31 and a final report expected by the end of the year, and carries an estimated cost of US$2.5 million. - Officials and advocates say the inquiry aims to fill gaps in the official record after federal reviews and recent releases of related files. Summary: The committee is intended to compile an official record of what occurred at Zorro Ranch and to identify any gaps in law or oversight that may have allowed wrongdoing to occur. The committee will begin work Tuesday, deliver interim findings by July 31, and issue a final report by the end of the year.