Jeffrey Epstein Case: New Mexico Sues U.S. Justice Department Over 'Zorro Ranch'

The U.S. state of New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, accusing it of hindering the state's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged criminal activities. New Mexico's Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, stated that the lawsuit aims to compel the DOJ to release unredacted documents crucial for the ongoing probe into suspected offenses at Epstein's Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.

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These files and documents are of crucial importance for New Mexico's ongoing investigation into alleged offenses at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.

Torrez had previously accused the DOJ of refusing cooperation. A DOJ spokesperson, however, called the accusation "false" to Axios, asserting that releasing the documents without redaction would contravene legal statutes. The DOJ had previously released millions of Epstein-related documents, many of which were redacted, prompting New Mexico to announce its intention to resume its investigation.

The Zorro Ranch, acquired by Epstein in 1993, is reportedly the site of alleged sexual abuse and human trafficking. The property spans approximately 3,000 hectares in a sparsely populated desert region south of Santa Fe. Investigations into Epstein in New Mexico were initially closed in 2019 at the request of the Southern District of New York's prosecution.

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Epstein, a multimillionaire financier, operated an abuse ring for years, with numerous young women and minors as victims. Many influential individuals were reportedly among his clients. Initial allegations surfaced nearly two decades ago, leading to a guilty plea on certain charges. He was arrested again years later, but died in his prison cell at age 66 on August 10, 2019, with the autopsy report citing suicide.

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This property spans around 3,000 hectares and is located in a sparsely populated, barren high desert south of Santa Fe, with the nearest neighbors miles away.