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New Mexico sues US Justice Department for access to unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • New Mexico is suing the U.S. Department of Justice to obtain unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch.
  • The state alleges the DOJ is obstructing its investigation into potential victims, witnesses, and facilitators by withholding documents.
  • The lawsuit escalates a dispute over the Epstein files, with New Mexico seeking to compel the release of information crucial for its ongoing probe.

New Mexico has escalated its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's activities by filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The state seeks access to unredacted files concerning Epstein's Zorro Ranch, located near Stanley, New Mexico, alleging that the federal agency is stonewalling its efforts to identify victims, witnesses, and facilitators involved in alleged crimes.

Federal inaction does not merely stall the investigation; it prolongs and compounds the suffering of survivors.

— New Mexico lawsuitArguing that the DOJ's refusal to release files is harming survivors.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the DOJ's refusal to provide the requested documents is hindering the state's investigation, which was reopened in February. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez stated that the withheld files are essential before any charges can be filed. "Federal inaction does not merely stall the investigation; it prolongs and compounds the suffering of survivors," the lawsuit contends, urging the court to compel acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche to release the files.

The Department of Justice, however, maintains that it has provided some files but is restricted from disclosing victim-identifying information due to privacy protections and court orders under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. A DOJ spokesperson stated, “New Mexico has provided no lawful basis to justify such sweeping disclosures.” This legal battle highlights a politically charged dispute over the Epstein files that has persisted throughout the Trump administration.

New Mexico has provided no lawful basis to justify such sweeping disclosures.

— DOJ spokespersonResponding to New Mexico's lawsuit and demand for unredacted files.

Meanwhile, a state commission investigating Epstein's activities in New Mexico released an interim report indicating that Epstein abused at least five women and girls at Zorro Ranch between 1996 and 2012. The commission has identified at least 30 other individuals who may have been abused in the state, some of whom could be witnesses or facilitators. Despite dedicating substantial resources, Attorney General Torrez has not yet announced any charges, emphasizing the critical need for the DOJ's unredacted files.

We haven't charged someone because we need to see those files before we charge someone.

— Raul TorrezNew Mexico Attorney General, explaining the delay in charges due to withheld files.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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