New Mexico AG wants new sex offender law amid Epstein probe

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s attorney general wants to change a law that allowed Jeffrey Epstein to avoid registering as a sex offender in the state, where the financier owns a sprawling, secluded ranch and authorities say they are interviewing victims.

Attorney General Hector Balderas said Friday he will renew his push for legislation that would require anyone with a conviction of “human trafficking for commercial sexual activity” to register as a sex offender in the state. In a statement, Balderas described the law as weak.

Similar legislation to expand the statute for the sex offender registry died in the last legislative session without receiving a hearing.

Epstein pleaded guilty plea in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida.

Balderas’ spokesman Matt Baca also said New Mexico authorities were interviewing possible victims of Epstein.