STANLEY, N.M. — New Mexico authorities are conducting a search of the sprawling Zorro Ranch, once owned by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as part of a renewed criminal investigation into allegations of illegal activity at the property. The search, initiated Monday morning, comes after Attorney General Raúl Torrez reopened the case last month, citing newly released FBI files that warrant further examination.
The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) confirmed the search is being conducted with the full cooperation of the current property owners. While Epstein was never charged with crimes in New Mexico, investigators previously interviewed potential victims who had visited the ranch during his ownership. The renewed scrutiny comes years after the initial investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York.
The Zorro Ranch, located approximately 30 miles south of Santa Fe, has long been the subject of rumors regarding Epstein’s alleged abuse and trafficking of underage girls. Epstein purchased the 500-acre estate in 1993 from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King, building a hilltop mansion complete with a private runway. The property was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate to a family trust associated with Don Huffines, a Texas businessman who recently won the Republican primary for state comptroller, with proceeds going to creditors.
“We urge the public to please stay away from the area and ground any drone activity nearby to avoid interfering with the ongoing law enforcement operation,” a spokesperson for the NMDOJ stated. The department is also requesting that anyone with credible information related to Epstein’s activities in New Mexico come forward with tips.
Reopened Investigation Fueled by Newly Released FBI Files
Attorney General Torrez’s decision to reopen the investigation was prompted by “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files,” according to a statement released by the NMDOJ. These files, recently made public, appear to contain information that prompted state prosecutors to revisit the case. The reopening follows a broader national reckoning with Epstein’s crimes and the fallout from the release of court documents detailing allegations against him.
Legislative Commission Established to Investigate Ranch Activities
In addition to the criminal investigation, New Mexico state legislators recently established a commission dedicated to examining past activities at the Zorro Ranch. This commission will function alongside the NMDOJ to uncover any potential wrongdoing that may have occurred during Epstein’s ownership. The search is part of a broader effort to understand the full extent of Epstein’s alleged crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
The NMDOJ has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the current property owners, Don Huffines and ranch staff, in facilitating the search. “The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners,” the agency said in a statement. Prosecutors have pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses, support survivors, and follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death sparked widespread scrutiny and fueled conspiracy theories, with some questioning whether his death was truly a suicide. The U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, and New York City forensic experts have reportedly investigated the circumstances surrounding his death, but many questions remain.
Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the ranch demanding answers and accountability for the alleged crimes that occurred during Epstein’s ownership, according to KOB4.
What’s Next in the Zorro Ranch Investigation
The current search of the Zorro Ranch is expected to grab several days, and investigators are meticulously examining the property for any evidence related to the allegations. The NMDOJ has not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation, but officials have indicated they are committed to pursuing all leads and bringing justice to any victims. The findings of the legislative commission are also anticipated to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired at the ranch during Epstein’s ownership.
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