Authorities in New Mexico are examining new allegations that young women and girls from the area were sexually exploited at the remote Zorro Ranch owned by Jeffrey Epstein.
Several women have claimed they were transported to the property and subjected to abuse by Epstein and his associates, according to reporting by Reuters.
So far, only one identified victim, former masseuse Rachel Benavidez from Santa Fe, is known to have been from New Mexico. However, officials say more potential victims from the state have recently come forward.
State Representative Marianna Anaya, who led a local investigation into Epstein, said individuals from the area had contacted authorities alleging abuse at the ranch.
“I can confirm that residents have approached us claiming they were victims,” Anaya said in a written statement.
She added that the state’s Truth Commission is working with the New Mexico Department of Justice to support survivors who can substantiate their claims and pursue legal action.
This marks the first time the commission has acknowledged direct contact with local women alleging abuse at the ranch during the roughly 25 years Epstein owned the property.
Epstein and his associates have previously been accused of grooming and exploiting underage girls at his residences in New York and Palm Beach, based on court testimonies.
Maria Jose Rodriguez Cadiz, head of a regional sexual assault support centre, told Reuters that in 2019, the year Epstein was arrested and later died in custody, around 45 individuals approached the centre seeking help, information or treatment related to alleged abuse linked to the ranch.
Source: protothema.gr