The New Mexico Epstein Commission Interim Report (Part 3) (8/7/26)

Summary

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The Epstein Chronicles

Episode: The New Mexico Epstein Commission Interim Report (Part 3)

Host: Bobby Capucci

Date: August 7, 2026

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Overview

In this episode, host Bobby Capucci continues his in-depth review of the New Mexico Epstein Truth Commission’s interim report. The focus is on gaps in evidence, investigative challenges, government cooperation—or lack thereof—and the evolving timeline of Epstein’s criminal activities and official responses in New Mexico. Capucci scrutinizes subpoena compliance by various agencies, the commission’s strategy, and ongoing litigation and legislative efforts to release more documentation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Evidence Gaps and Lack of Cooperation (00:44–02:50)

• Email Evidence Limitations:
  Epstein’s available email communications cover only 2009–2019, leaving major evidentiary gaps about earlier activity.

• Investigative Deficiency:
  “Past investigative efforts focused on limited targets in limited locations, whereas other locations where Epstein was alleged to have engaged in illegal activity - including New Mexico - were largely ignored.” (00:55)

• Government Non-Compliance:
  Critical entities—including federal DOJ arms (especially SDNY and the Southern District of Florida)—have refused or ignored subpoenas, impeding the commission’s progress.

• Notable FBI Tip Unshared:
  Capucci shares:

  “For instance, the FBI received a tip on November 25, 2019 that stated two dead bodies were buried at the ranch… That tip was never provided to [the New Mexico Attorney General’s] office at the time it was given to the FBI. To date, the validity of the claim is unknown.” (02:28)

2. Legal Frameworks for Document Release (03:04–04:00)

• Law on Redaction and Withholding:
  Federal law restricts redactions to five specific areas—victim privacy, exposure of abuse material, active investigations, graphic imagery, and national security.

  “No record may be withheld on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity… Congress wrote that sentence transparently to prevent exactly the kind of selective redaction critics have accused DOJ of engaging in, protecting the reputations of well-connected people who appear in Epstein's orbit.” (03:34)

• Commission’s Stance:
  The Truth Commission holds that all records currently withheld by DOJ should be released if they are subject to these guidelines.

3. Investigative Strategy & Subpoena Compliance (04:00–08:00)

• Methodology:
  The commission uses information from archived documents and EFTA releases to inform targeted subpoenas and possible interviews or depositions.

  “This included subpoenas to institutions that would have knowledge which could lead the Truth Commission to build a body of knowledge… rooted in objective information provided through subpoenas.” (04:30)

• Subpoena Compliance Table (highlights)

  • Full Compliance: New Mexico Land Office, Governor’s Office, Department of Health, and others.
  • Partial Compliance: New Mexico Attorney General, U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Mexico.
  • No Response/Refusal: Several federal districts (including SDNY, SDFL, SC, WDMI), JP Morgan, FAA, and more.
  • Bank Subpoenas: Deutsche Bank complied fully (on a rolling basis); JP Morgan—no response. (06:45)

• Quote:

  “Of the 20 subpoenas issued, 10 have been met with full compliance, two have been met with partial compliance, and eight have been met with refusals to comply or no response at all.” (07:30)

4. Epstein’s Zorro Ranch Timeline & Abuse Allegations (08:00–11:32)

• Key Chronology:

  • 1993: Epstein acquires Zorro Ranch (from Governor Bruce King’s family).
  • 1996: First abuse allegations at the ranch.
  • 2004: Minor (Jane Doe) alleges abuse during her time at the ranch (per Maxwell sentencing statement).
  • 2006: Survivor recounts experiences at Zorro Ranch to FBI.
  • 2007–2010: Jane Doe alleges being trafficked to ranch multiple times.
  • 2008–2010: Epstein convicted and released in Florida.
  • 2015–2026: Notable offices and investigations; series of attorney appointments and investigations (see Timestamps section).

• Quote:

  “1996: Abuse survivors first documented abuse at the ranch. A minor is groomed at Zorro Ranch beginning with unsolicited topless massage, per the Maxwell indictment.” (08:20)

5. Recent and Pending Legal and Investigative Developments (11:32–14:57)

• Commission Creation and Activity:

  • Feb 16, 2026: New Mexico House forms Truth Commission unanimously to investigate Epstein.
  • Feb 19, 2026: New Mexico AG formally opens Epstein investigation.

• Interviews and Witnesses:
  The commission has initiated contact with a variety of witnesses and survivors, sometimes through unsolicited tips.

• Anticipated Resistance:

  "It's anticipated that some of the witnesses will resist the Commission's investigative efforts.” (14:20)

• Litigation Momentum:
  Ongoing lawsuits (e.g. Fang v. Blanch) and pending legislative efforts may further force DOJ to release key records, especially those provided by survivors themselves.

• Quote:
  “Formal interviews and the taking of sworn testimony will be sequenced in a manner that best advances the Commission's investigative goals.” (14:50)

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• On selective redaction:

  "Congress wrote that sentence transparently to prevent exactly the kind of selective redaction critics have accused DOJ of engaging in, protecting the reputations of well connected people who appear in Epstein's orbit." – Bobby Capucci (03:34)

• On evidence gaps:

  “Although the record is voluminous, there are still significant gaps in the evidence.” (00:44)

• On the significance of subpoenas:

  “All subpoenas are posted to the website www.new Mexico truthcommission.com” (07:55)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:44: Episode introduction—focus and evidence gaps
• 01:30: Agencies’ lack of cooperation; subpoenas ignored or refused
• 02:28: FBI tip regarding two bodies at the ranch never investigated by NM AG
• 03:04: First discussion of federal law regarding document redactions
• 04:00: Commission’s investigative theory and strategy
• 06:45: Table of subpoena responses—who complied, who refused
• 08:00: Detailed Zorro Ranch timeline (1993–2026) and abuse chronology
• 11:32: Recent legal action, commission formation, and new subpoenas
• 14:20: Challenges of securing witness cooperation
• 14:50: Upcoming phases—formal interviews, expected resistance

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Episode Tone & Style

Capucci maintains a sober, determined tone as he outlines institutional obstruction, legal context, and the methodical work of the Truth Commission. He is critical of withheld evidence and bureaucratic stalling, clear about the need for transparency, and empathetic toward survivors.

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Useful Links

• All subpoenas and documents:
  www.newmexicotruthcommission.com

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For further information on this episode, check the description box as advised by the host.

Transcript

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Monday.com what's up everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Epstein Chronicles. In this episode, we're going to pick up where we left off with the New Mexico Prelim report released by the Epstein Truth Commission in New Mexico. Although the record is voluminous, there are still significant gaps in the evidence. For instance, Epstein's email communication cover only the period between 2009 and 2019. Moreover, past investigative efforts focused on limited targets in limited locations, whereas other locations where Epstein was alleged to have engaged in illegal activity is including New Mexico, were largely ignored. The Commission has not received full cooperation in obtaining evidence from federal and state entities that previously conducted investigations into Epstein's activities in New Mexico. The U.S. attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico has only partially responded to the Commission's subpoena for records, meaning that they have only returned sparse records of information that do not fully respond to the subpoena's request. Other DOJ components, including SDNY and the U.S. attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the District of South Carolina have refused to comply with the Commission's subpoena or entirely ignored them. Documents released under the EFTA constitute an important source of evidence. However, there are numerous facts documented in documents released under EFTA that cannot be verified or adequately assessed for credibility. For instance, the FBI received a tip on November 25, 2019 that stated two dead bodies were buried at the ranch. The information, through testimony of former Attorney General Hector Balderas, revealed that tip was never provided to his office at the time it was given to the FBI. To date, the validity of the claim is unknown, nor is its source known as the statute does not grant DOJ unlimited discretion to withhold or redact material. It permits withholding only for five specific protecting victims personally identifiable information protecting against disclosure of child sexual abuse material, protecting active investigations narrowly and temporarily protecting graphic images of death or abuse and protecting properly classified national security information. Any redaction made under these grounds must come with a written justification published in the Federal Register, the government's official daily journal for regulations, notices and legal announcements, and reported to Congress. The law also contains a crucial restriction no record may be withheld on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any governmental official, public figure, or or a foreign dignitary. Congress wrote that sentence transparently to prevent exactly the kind of selective redaction critics have accused DOJ of engaging in protecting the reputations of well connected people who appear in Epstein's orbit. The Commission takes the position that all records that the DOJ are withholding subject to EFTA should be released Truth Commission Investigative Theory, Investigation, and Methodology the Commission's investigative strategy was to build its investigation from documents released under the EFTA as well as from information that exists within existing archives of various institutions in order to prepare for interviewing or hitting with a subpoena individuals based on what information was uncovered or provided. This included subpoenas to institutions that would have knowledge which could lead the Truth Commission to build a body of knowledge surrounding Epstein and his co conspirators actions rooted in objective information provided through subpoenas. Later, the individuals connected to the information are likely to be subpoenaed or requested later for direct conversations, interviews, or depositions. Thus far, the Commission has issued 20 subpoenas. The targets of all subpoenas issued as well as the date of issuance and and the target response to date are reflected in the table below. New Mexico State Land Office June 5, 2026 Response Full Compliance New Mexico Governor's Office June 8, 2026 Full Compliance New Mexico Attorney General's Office June 8, 2026 Partial Compliance New Mexico Department of Public Safety June June 8, 2026 Full Compliance Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office June 8, 2026 full compliance Santa Fe Institute June 8, 2026 full compliance New Mexico Department of Health June 12, 2026 full compliance New Mexico Public Regulation Commission June 12, 2026 full compliance new Mexico Regulatory and Licensing Department June 12, 2026 full compliance NEW Mexico State Records and Archives June 12, 2026 full compliance Federal Aviation Administration June 12, 2026 no response United States Attorney's Office USAO New Mexico June 12, 2026 partial compliance USAO SDNY June 16 10, 2026 compliance refused USAO SDFL June 16, 2026 no response Deutsche Bank June 20, 2026 full compliance rolling JP Morgan June 20, 2026 no response USAO EDMI June 23, 2026 no response USAO USVI June 29 November 2026 no response USAO SC June 29, 2026 no response USAO WDMI June 30, 2026 no response of the 20 subpoenas issued, 10 have been met with full compliance, two have been met with partial compliance, and eight have been met with refusals to comply or no response at all. The Commission has received over 100,000 records in response to all subpoenas issued thus far. The Commission will seek enforcement of subpoenas subject to an analysis weighing the likelihood of relevant evidence, the availability of evidence from other sources, and the availability of investigative resources. Subpoenas issued to federal agencies may have been accompanied by requests conforming to federal regulatory guidance as required by the U.S. vs. Reagan. 340 U.S. 462, 1951 Federal agencies to include DOJ, which includes the component U.S. attorney's Office and FBI, and the U.S. department of Transportation, which includes Federal Aviation Administration, have promulgated regulations, often referred to as TUI regulations, governing their response to federal or state subpoenas requesting testimony or records. All subpoenas are posted to the website www.new Mexico truthcommission.com Epstein Zorro Ranch Timeline March 1, 1993 Epstein acquires Zorro Ranch, buys the 7,600acre property from the family of sitting New Mexico Governor Bruce King, holding title through the Zorro Trust. 1996 Abuse survivors first documented abuse at the ranch A miner is groomed at Zorro Ranch the beginning with unsolicited topless massage, per the Maxwell indictment. 2004 abuse survivors minor flown to the ranch at age 15 a victim, Jane Doe, is flown to Zorro Ranch and sexually molested, per her statement at Maxwell sentencing 2006 abused survivors survivors report to the FBI the FBI interviews a survivor who recounts 1996 interaction with Epstein and Maxwell in New York and at Zorro ranch. SDFL investigation January 1, 2007 Gary King takes office as New Mexico Attorney General 2007-2010 Jane Dole, 5, trafficked to the ranch, alleges in litigation that Epstein took her to Zorro Ranch multiple times between 2007 and 2010 and coerced her into sex. June 30, 2008 Florida case Epstein's Florida conviction convicted in Palm beach of procuring a person under 18 for prostitution July 21, 2010 Florida case released from Florida custody Epstein released from probation, parole corrections after serving his Florida sentence. Epstein and Zorra Ranch Timeline 2015-2026 January 1, 2015 Hector Balderas takes office f as New Mexico AG February 23, 2018 John C. Anderson, U.S. attorney sworn in as U.S. attorney the first Democratic New Mexico U.S. attorney documented to take any action regarding Epstein Forget whatever plans you

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May through July of 2019 Balderas opens investigation New Mexico Attorney General opens a criminal review by July 2019. It's deferred to SDNY and per the commission, never reopened before he left office. July 8, 2019 Federal case Epstein's federal indictment returned SDNY grand jury indictment for sex trafficking of minors is unsealed Epstein was arrested two days earlier. July 6 Aug 10, 2019 Federal case Epstein's death Epstein dies in federal custody at Metropolitan Correctional center in New York While awaiting trial July 2, 2020 Gwaine Maxwell's indictment returned federal grand jury SDNY indictment charging Maxwell she's arrested the same month. January 3, 2021 U S Attorney Fred Federici serves as U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico between John Anderson and Alexander Yubalis. December 29, 2021 Federal case Maxwell's conviction convicted on five counts of sex trafficking and related charges later sentenced 20 years May 24, 2022 Alexander Yubalis, U. S. Attorney, New Mexico Sworn in as U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico January 1, 2023 Raul Torres takes office as New Mexico AG April 18, 2025 Ryan Ellison, U.S. attorney appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi Sworn in April 18, 2025 Never Senate confirmed February 16, 2026 Survivors Truth Commission Established the New Mexico House of Representatives approves House Resolution 1 by a vote of 62 0, creating the commission and directing it to investigate Epstein's activities in New Mexico. February 19, 2026 AG Torres opens the Epstein investigation. The Commission has also had contact with numerous witnesses, potential witnesses, potential and actual survivors, and other persons of interest. Of these contacts, some were the result of unsolicited emails, in person interactions, telephone calls or text messages. In addition, the Commission, either directly or through its hired counsel, has interviewed or engaged with a number of witnesses. Additional witnesses have been identified through review of records or based on leads obtained through witness interviews. All persons identified in this interim report are potential witnesses. The Commission may interview or depose. Commission counsel will endeavor to interview and or depose witnesses as necessary and try to the extent possible, either through voluntary appearance or by means of compulsory process. It's anticipated that some of the witnesses will resist the Commission's investigative efforts. The Commission expects that formal witness interviews and depositions will occur following thorough review and and organization of the considerable documentary record released under the EFTA and anticipated upon return of the Commission subpoena. The Truth Commission is following current litigation regarding the efta, including the recent decision of the US District Court for the District of Columbia in Fang v. Blanch, ordering Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch to turn over EFTA records and defend redactions. Additionally, Congress has pending legislation to allow Epstein survivors to litigate to release their own personal documents provided to the federal doj. In addition to watchdog external events and possibilities for obtaining greater resources of information from the doj, formal interviews and the taking of sworn testimony will be sequenced in a manner that best advances the Commission's investigative goals. All right folks, we're going to wrap up right here and in the next episode we're going to pick up where we left off. All the information that goes with this episode can be found in the description box.

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