Geography
Zorro Ranch is situated in the high desert of central New Mexico, encompassing approximately 10,000 acres of land. [1] It includes a variety of buildings, including a large main residence, guest houses, a pool, a firehouse, offices, a log cabin and a guest house. [1] The main house, often described as a sprawling hacienda-style mansion, was designed to accommodate large gatherings. The ranch's grounds include an airstrip and an antique railroad car and train tracks. [1]
North of the Zorro Ranch is the Cerro Pelon Ranch, where various movies have been filmed. The Cerro Pelon Ranch has been owned by fashion designer Tom Ford since 2001. The ranch is surrounded by land owned by the family of former New Mexico Governor Bruce King and the state of New Mexico. Members of the King family also appear in Epstein's “Little Black Book” of contacts, and Epstein donated money to the son of Bruce King, former Attorney General of New Mexico, Gary King. [2]
History
The land that now comprises Zorro Ranch has a long history, dating back to the Spanish colonial era, when it was part of a larger land grant. Over the centuries, the property changed hands multiple times and was used primarily for ranching and agricultural purposes. Jeffrey Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993, reportedly for around $12 million, from the former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. [3] Epstein built a huge mansion at the ranch, with a living room the size of an average American apartment. [3] Epstein controlled the property through a shell company called Zorro Trust, later renamed Cypress, Inc. [1] [4] The 10,000 acres included 1,200 acres leased from the Land Commission of New Mexico. [5]
The ranch was allegedly used as a location for sexual abuse and sex trafficking of minors. Annie Farmer, the sister of Marie Farmer, claimed as early as 1996 that she had been sexually abused by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell at the ranch. After Epstein was first convicted of sex crimes in Florida in 2008, he was not required to register as a sex offender in New Mexico after his prison term ended, the state of New Mexico continued to lease him land. [5]
The ranch was under Epsteins ownership managed by a New Zealand couple named Karen and Brice Gorden. They also hosted sex parties and recruited local showgirls, according to a local stripper. Several times a year, big parties are said to have been held at the ranch. Later, the Gordons went into hiding, fearing for their life. [6]
At the ranch, Epstein received prominent guests. According to one of Epstein's housekeepers, Prince Andrew visited the ranch in 2001 for three days. [6] Former congressman and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was also among the visitors. [1]
In late August 2018, trespassers cut a perimeter fence, visited several buildings and stole a firearm safe believed to contain 30-40 guns. [7]
According to the New York Times Epstein planned to "seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his New Mexico ranch." [5] [8]
In the years since Epstein's death, Zorro Ranch has remained largely unused. In 2023, the ranch was sold to San Rafael Ranch LLC for an undisclosed sum. [3]
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