New Mexico has reopened its investigation into alleged criminal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch after reviewing newly released federal files tied to the Epstein case.
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 now say material in previously sealed FBI files requires further review.
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State seeks unredacted federal records
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.
Reuters reports that state investigators are reviewing a 2019 email referenced in the federal document release alleging two foreign girls were buried in the hills near the ranch, located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe. The allegation is unverified.
According to Reuters, the state has requested the unredacted version of that email along with identifying data tied to it, as well as any additional federal records referencing Zorro Ranch.
“As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead,” the department said in a statement to CBS News, adding that investigators will collect and preserve any relevant evidence that remains available.
Lawmakers form special commission
The reopening coincides with action by the New Mexico Legislature, which 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, called the allegations in the latest document release “deeply disturbing” and urged a full criminal investigation.
Ranch ownership and prior scrutiny
Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and built a private compound that included a hilltop residence and airstrip, according to CBS. Although he never faced charges in New Mexico, state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they interviewed potential victims connected to the property.
The ranch was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate, with proceeds directed toward creditors, including victims. It was purchased by the family of former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas comptroller. Huffines has said the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch and will operate as a Christian retreat.
A spokesperson for the new owners told CBS 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 determine whether additional criminal action is warranted at the property.
