New Mexico lawmakers subpoena federal prosecutors in Epstein investigation

A New Mexico legislative panel led by Democratic Rep. Andrea Romero issued subpoenas to federal prosecutors in offices across southern Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The subpoenas seek internal notes and records that could explain why federal officials declined to bring charges against Jeffrey Epstein after earlier investigations.

The panel, the first of its kind in the nation, has already issued roughly 23 subpoenas to banks, state agencies and law‑enforcement bodies as part of a broader effort to uncover any cover‑up of Epstein’s sexual‑abuse cases. Investigators say the inquiry could lead the state attorney general to file criminal charges if evidence of a systematic failure emerges. Survivors of abuse at Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, including Rachel Benavidez, welcomed the move, saying the public is increasingly unwilling to allow powerful individuals to evade accountability.