Diane Denish

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Diane Denish served as Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011 under Governor Bill Richardson. Her connection to the Jeffrey Epstein case is indirect and contextual: she served alongside Richardson during the period when Epstein owned the Zorro Ranch in southern Santa Fe County, and has publicly commented on what she knew of Richardson's relationship with Epstein. In a recent interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican / Searchlight New Mexico, Denish recalled that Richardson discussed Epstein's purchase of the ranch, but stated she never personally saw Epstein at the governor's office. She strongly defended Richardson against allegations tied to Epstein's network — including claims that Ghislaine Maxwell sent a woman to perform a massage on Richardson — stating: "I would bet my bottom dollar that Bill Richardson never had anything to do with young girls or anything like that." She acknowledged Richardson may have flown with Epstein, attributing it to Richardson's interest in wealthy associates ("men love money"), but said she could never substantiate the various allegations that circulated about Richardson. Denish expressed frustration that she was often blamed for Richardson's associations: "Everybody blamed me for everything Bill Richardson ever did." There is no indication in any available source that Denish is herself a subject of investigation, that she faces legal exposure, or that she is a victim. Her role is that of a public figure providing historical context about a political colleague's known ties to Epstein's New Mexico properties.