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New Mexico authorities have reopened an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch, citing newly released information from the U.S. Justice Department that warrants fresh examination of the secluded property’s possible connection to sexual abuse and trafficking.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced Thursday that his office will seek immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case files. The initial investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, but “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files” have prompted state officials to take another look.
“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,” the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement.
The renewed investigation will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and a newly established truth commission created by state lawmakers specifically to investigate activities at the ranch.
The development comes amid a series of major revelations in the Epstein case. On the same day, British authorities arrested former Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct related to his connections with the late sex offender. In Washington, Congress released video of a six-hour deposition from billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner, who maintained he wasn’t aware of Epstein’s crimes and insisted the two “weren’t friends.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee next week, followed by former President Bill Clinton the following day, as lawmakers continue seeking information about Epstein’s high-profile connections.
New Mexico’s truth commission, which held its first meeting Tuesday, aims to investigate not only the abuse allegations but also why Epstein wasn’t registered as a sex offender in the state after his 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The commission will examine whether corruption among public officials played a role.
Although Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed potential victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe, though they never disclosed how many accusers were interviewed or what allegedly occurred there.
In another significant development, lawyers for Epstein’s accusers announced a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit against his estate. If approved by a judge, the estate would pay between $25 million and $35 million to qualified victims. This follows previous compensation through the Epstein Victims Compensation Program, which paid 136 claimants a total of $121 million, with an additional $48 million paid to settle claims from 59 other victims.
Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch from former Democratic Governor Bruce King in 1993 and built a hilltop mansion on the property. The ranch included a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad, along with a ranch office, firehouse, and heated garage.
Following Epstein’s death, the property was sold in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas state comptroller. Huffines announced the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch after a saint associated with healing, and his family plans to operate a Christian retreat there. A spokesperson for Huffines said the owners have never been approached by law enforcement requesting access but would fully cooperate if asked.
The ranch features prominently in the thousands of documents released by federal authorities. Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, was among those who visited the property. After early investigations into Epstein began, Richardson donated $50,000 in 2006 gubernatorial campaign contributions from Epstein to charity.
Recently released emails and schedules reveal that numerous high-profile individuals were invited to the ranch over the years, including Woody Allen, Robert Redford, Reid Hoffman, Joi Ito, and Peter Thiel.
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 of leased state land. Last week, she called on federal authorities and state prosecutors to ensure a thorough criminal investigation into the “deeply disturbing” allegations related to the ranch.
That same year, a woman identified as Jane Doe testified in court that Epstein had molested her at Zorro Ranch in 2004 when she was 15. She described feeling small and powerless, noting how Epstein had laid her on the floor facing photographs of him with wealthy celebrities and politicians.
“People deserve to know the truth about what happened on Epstein’s ranch and are looking to leaders for answers,” Garcia Richard said in a statement.
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12 Comments
I hope this renewed investigation can shed light on the alleged activities at Epstein’s former ranch and provide some measure of justice for any victims. Transparency and accountability are critical in cases like this.
Absolutely. Uncovering the full truth and ensuring that justice is served, even if it’s years later, is crucial for both the victims and the broader public.
This is a complex and troubling case. I’m glad to see the authorities reopening the investigation into the alleged activities at Epstein’s former ranch. Uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is important, though the process will likely be challenging.
Agreed. With the newly released information from federal authorities, it seems prudent to take another look and see where the evidence leads.
The reopening of this investigation is a positive step, but the task ahead will be daunting. Navigating the complexities and potential roadblocks will require persistence and a steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth.
You’re right, this will be a challenging investigation. But it’s essential that the authorities follow the evidence wherever it leads, no matter how difficult the path.
I’m curious to see what new information emerges from the reopened investigation. Hopefully the investigators are able to uncover the full truth, even if it proves challenging given the passage of time and potential destruction of evidence.
Yes, the challenge will be piecing together a comprehensive picture, but the effort is essential for justice and to prevent any future abuses.
The alleged connections between Epstein’s property and potential sexual abuse or trafficking are deeply concerning. A thorough, impartial investigation is critical to understand what may have occurred and hold any responsible parties accountable.
Absolutely. This case has far-reaching implications, and it’s important that the investigation is conducted with rigor and transparency.
While the alleged activities at Epstein’s ranch are deeply disturbing, I’m encouraged to see state authorities taking action. A diligent, unbiased investigation is crucial to understanding what may have occurred and ensuring accountability.
Agreed. Transparency and a commitment to the facts will be key as this investigation moves forward.