New Mexico authorities have reopened an investigation into alleged criminal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch following the release of previously sealed federal files. Attorney General Raúl Torrez ordered the renewed inquiry, reversing a 2019 decision to close the state’s original investigation at the request of federal prosecutors in New York.
State officials said material in the federal files requires further review. The New Mexico Department of Justice has sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting full, unredacted access to the federal case file.
Among the documents under review is a 2019 email referenced in the federal release alleging that two foreign girls were buried in the hills near the ranch, which lies approximately 30 miles south of Santa Fe. Reuters reports that the allegation is unverified. State investigators have requested the unredacted email, along with identifying data and any additional federal records mentioning Zorro Ranch.
A department spokesperson told CBS News, “As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead. Investigators will collect and preserve any relevant evidence that remains available.”
The reopening coincides with recent legislative action. The New Mexico Legislature unanimously approved a bipartisan special committee to examine whether the ranch facilitated sexual abuse or trafficking and whether public officials failed to act. The four-member panel held its first meeting this week.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, whose office previously canceled grazing leases tied to the property, described the allegations in the newly released documents as “deeply disturbing” and urged a full criminal investigation.
Zorro Ranch has been under scrutiny for decades. Epstein purchased the property in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and developed a private compound, including a hilltop residence and airstrip. While he never faced charges in New Mexico, state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they interviewed potential victims associated with the property.
The ranch was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate, with proceeds directed toward creditors, including victims. The property was purchased by the family of former Texas state Senator Don Huffines, who has said it has been renamed San Rafael Ranch and will operate as a Christian retreat. A spokesperson for the new owners told CBS News that they have not been contacted by law enforcement but would cooperate if requested.
State investigators have not specified which portions of the newly released files prompted the renewed probe. The reopened investigation will focus on determining whether additional criminal action is warranted at the property.
As the review continues, both legal and legislative avenues are expected to intersect, with investigators and lawmakers closely examining documents and potential evidence related to Epstein’s former estate. The developments signal a renewed focus on the property decades after Epstein’s ownership and reflect ongoing public and governmental scrutiny surrounding allegations tied to his activities.
