Authorities in New Mexico conducted a search on Monday at the Zorro Ranch, a secluded property previously owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Led by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice, in collaboration with local and state police, reopened an investigation into the ranch last month. The original case, which aimed to probe activities at the ranch, was closed in 2019 upon the request of federal prosecutors in New York.
State prosecutors have emphasized the need for further scrutiny following revelations from sealed FBI files. The high-desert estate has been linked to Epstein's alleged transportation of underage girls on his private jet.
While Epstein had not faced criminal charges in New Mexico, the state attorney general's office disclosed in 2019 that they had spoken with potential victims who had visited the vast ranch.
Last month, New Mexico legislators formed a commission to investigate whether the ranch was involved in facilitating sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
The search at the Zorro Ranch is part of an ongoing criminal investigation initiated by the New Mexico Department of Justice on February 19th, focusing on potential illegal activities at the ranch prior to Epstein's death in 2019.
Authorities have received cooperation from the current property owners, who permitted access for the search. Epstein had acquired the ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King, constructing a large property that included a mansion, guest houses, pool, ranch offices, firehouse, garages, airstrip, hangar, and helipad.
The property was later sold by Epstein's estate in 2023 and purchased by the family of former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines. The New Mexico Department of Justice has pledged to provide updates, support survivors, and pursue the investigation diligently.
Epstein passed away in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to the alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls.
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