New Mexico lawmakers launch sweeping investigation into Epstein ranch

"Driving the news: It's "extremely important" that lawmakers learn what happened at the ranch after the case had for "many years" been "mishandled and pushed out of the purview," said Romero, a co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill that unanimously passed in the N.M. House Monday, in a phone interview. This "Truth Commission" is seeking testimony from survivors at the ranch that's some 30 miles south of the state capital and Romero vowed that the committee would publicly name suspected perpetrators."

""There were clearly activities that took place here under the guise of Jeffrey Epstein ... and other perpetrators," Romero said. The bipartisan nature of the committee "allows us to be extremely objective," per Romero. What we're watching: A goal of the committee will be to gather information that could be used in a court of law, according to Romero. Romero noted that the statute of limitations may have passed in some instances related to the case, but said state lawmakers were already looking at changing legislation in regards to this "to help survivors see justice.""

"The resolution creates and empowers a special state House committee to "investigate allegations of criminal activity and public corruption," according to the resolution. The state House "is concerned that the failure to investigate the alleged criminal activity at Zorro ranch and the risk of potential consequences of that activity continue to affect the safety and welfare of the state and that continued legislative inaction threatens public confidence in state government," it says. Of note: Under N.M. law, it doesn't need state Senate approval indispensable power of inquiry as e"

A bipartisan special House committee in New Mexico will investigate allegations of criminal activity and public corruption tied to Zorro Ranch. The committee will seek testimony from survivors and has pledged to publicly name suspected perpetrators. The panel intends to gather information that could be used in court, while lawmakers are examining changes to statutes of limitations to help survivors pursue justice. The House resolution expresses concern that prior failures to investigate continue to affect state safety, welfare, and public confidence. The bill passed unanimously in the New Mexico House and features both Democratic and Republican sponsors.

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