ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Modern Mexico’s attorney general has reopened an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch, as allegations swirl about what role the secluded spot played in sexual abuse or sex trafficking of underage girls and young women.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office announced the decision on Thursday, following a review of information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Even though New Mexico’s initial investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors now state that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”
The New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors will seek immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file. They also intend to work with other law enforcement partners and a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to investigate activities at the ranch.
Renewed Scrutiny and Congressional Testimony
The reopening of the New Mexico investigation coincides with ongoing efforts in Washington, D.C., to uncover details surrounding Epstein’s crimes. Video footage of a six-hour deposition of billionaire Les Wexner was released on Thursday, in which Wexner maintained he was unaware of and did not participate in Epstein’s crimes, stating the two were “weren’t friends.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to appear before the same House Oversight Committee next week, followed by former President Bill Clinton the next day.
In New Mexico, the state’s truth commission held its first meeting on Tuesday. Lawmakers are investigating whether Epstein should have been registered as a sex offender in the state after a 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and whether any public officials engaged in corruption.
State prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe, but did not elaborate on the number of accusers or the details of their accounts.
Legal Developments and Property Ownership
Lawyers for Epstein accusers have reached a proposed settlement with his estate, which, pending court approval, would pay between $25 million and $35 million to qualifying victims. Epstein’s estate previously paid $121 million to 136 claimants and more than $48 million to 59 other victims.
Epstein’s sprawling Zorro Ranch was sold by his estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican running for state comptroller in Texas. Huffines announced on social media that the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch and will operate as a Christian retreat.
A spokesperson for Huffines stated that the owners have not been contacted by law enforcement regarding access to the ranch, but would fully cooperate if requested.
Thousands of references to the ranch appear in the recently released federal documents. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, was among those who visited the ranch and later donated $50,000 from Epstein to charity following an early investigation into the financier.
Emails and schedules also reveal that entrepreneurs, actors, and scientists, including Woody Allen, Robert Redford, Reid Hoffman, Joi Ito, and Peter Thiel, were invited to the ranch over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the reopening of the investigation?
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office reopened the investigation after reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, with state prosecutors stating that “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”
What is the role of the new truth commission?
The bipartisan, four-member truth commission established by New Mexico lawmakers will investigate allegations that the ranch may have facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking, as well as whether Epstein should have been registered as a sex offender in the state and if any public officials were involved in wrongdoing.
Who is the current owner of the Zorro Ranch?
The property, now renamed San Rafael Ranch, was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican running for state comptroller in Texas.
Given the renewed investigation and ongoing legal proceedings, what further revelations might approach to light regarding the activities that occurred at the Zorro Ranch?
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