New Mexico House Commission Hires Albuquerque Law Firm to Dig Deeper Into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch Crimes

The New Mexico House investigatory subcommittee charged with uncovering the truth about Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at his sprawling Zorro Ranch has hired Albuquerque-based law firm Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. to serve as special counsel for the investigation.

The appointment was announced Tuesday as part of the commission’s effort to ensure the probe is “thorough, transparent and legally sound.” The firm will provide legal services, gather evidence, and coordinate with the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ), which recently revived its own investigation into Epstein’s abuses after years of federal obstruction.

Shawna Casebier, director of the Legislative Counsel Service, confirmed that ten firms competed for the contract, which caps payments at $750,000. The commission itself has a $2 million budget derived from a 2023 settlement between New Mexico and several financial services companies that failed to flag Epstein’s misconduct at the ranch.

State Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), chair of the subcommittee, emphasized the importance of experienced legal counsel to maintain “rigor and independence” in the investigation, aiming to restore public trust and deliver meaningful accountability for survivors.

Joshua Conaway, a partner at the appointed firm with over 20 years of experience, expressed commitment to handling the “significant and sensitive” work with integrity and respect for those affected.

This move follows renewed momentum after NMDOJ investigators searched the 7,500-acre Zorro Ranch earlier this year. The property was originally purchased by Epstein from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King in the 1990s. Former Attorney General Hector Balderas revealed that federal prosecutors had previously asked New Mexico officials to shelve their Epstein investigation in 2019, highlighting the long-standing federal interference in holding Epstein accountable.

The commission is set to deliver an interim report to the New Mexico House by July 31, with a final report due by the end of 2026. Public meetings are planned later this year to maintain transparency.

This investigation represents a critical step toward exposing the full extent of Epstein’s crimes and the systemic failures that allowed them to persist, holding powerful enablers and institutions accountable in the process.

For ongoing coverage of Epstein-related investigations and government accountability, stay tuned to Only Clowns Are Orange.

[Source: SourceNM]