John J. Kelly, who was the U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico from 1993 to 2000, has come under fire for his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Journalist Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez has accused New Mexico's elite of protecting Kelly amid investigations into Epstein's activities at his New Mexico compound, Zorro Ranch. In April, it was revealed that Epstein had given Kelly power of attorney for the property, raising questions about Kelly's involvement. During his tenure, a report from Annie Farmer, who alleged sexual abuse by Epstein, was filed with the FBI but reportedly went ignored. Despite these serious allegations, Kelly remains on Albuquerque's Ethics Board, and no actions have been taken to hold him accountable. Valdes-Rodriguez highlighted the failure of local institutions to scrutinize Kelly's claims, noting that he continues to assert he had minimal contact with Epstein. She argues that Kelly's record of inaction regarding Epstein's abuses is a matter of fact, not insinuation, and calls for greater accountability in New Mexico's political landscape.