New Mexico Attorney General Reopens Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has announced the reopening of an investigation into allegations of illegal activities at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. The decision, made public on Thursday, follows a review of recently released information from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Background and Initial Closure
Although New Mexico's initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors now assert that "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination." While Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe. However, they did not elaborate on the number of accusers or specific details of the alleged incidents.
Renewed Investigative Efforts
The New Mexico Department of Justice stated that special agents and prosecutors will seek immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file. They intend to work with other law enforcement partners and a newly established truth commission created by state lawmakers to examine activities at the ranch. In a statement, the department emphasized, "As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available."
Truth Commission and Legislative Inquiries
On Tuesday, New Mexico's truth commission held its first meeting. This bipartisan, four-member panel of state House representatives is tasked with investigating allegations that the ranch may have facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Additionally, New Mexico lawmakers are seeking answers as to why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and whether there was corruption among public officials.
Property Details and New Ownership
Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and constructed a hilltop mansion, a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad, a ranch office, a firehouse, and a seven-bay heated garage. The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for state comptroller in Texas. Huffines announced on social media that the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch and plans to operate a Christian retreat there. A spokesperson for Huffines stated that the owners have not been approached by law enforcement for access but will cooperate fully if requested.
References in Released Documents and Public Figures
Federal authorities have released documents containing thousands of references to the ranch. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, was among the guests who visited during Epstein's ownership. Following early investigations, Richardson donated $50,000 in 2006 gubernatorial campaign contributions from Epstein to charity. Recently released emails and schedules show that numerous entrepreneurs, actors, and scientists, including Woody Allen, Robert Redford, Reid Hoffman, Joi Ito, and Peter Thiel, were invited to the ranch over the years.
Land Leases and Calls for Justice
In 2019, New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard canceled grazing leases held by the ranch after her office was denied access to inspect nearly 2 square miles (5 square kilometers) of leased state land. In a letter sent last week, Garcia Richard urged federal authorities and state prosecutors to ensure a thorough criminal investigation into the allegations, describing them as "deeply disturbing." She stated, "People deserve to know the truth about what happened on Epstein's ranch and are looking to leaders for answers."
Victim Testimony
In 2019, after Epstein's death, a woman identified as Jane Doe testified in court that he had molested her at Zorro Ranch in 2004 when she was 15. She recalled feeling small and powerless, describing how he laid her on the floor, confronting her with framed photographs on his dresser of him smiling with wealthy celebrities and politicians.
Associated Press writers Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City and Michael Sisak in New York City contributed to this report.
