State says prior inquiry was closed in 2019 at request of U.S. attorney in New York; officials now seeking unredacted federal files

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has ordered the reopening of a criminal investigation into alleged illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, citing newly released federal information.

In a statement Thursday, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the state’s previous investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

State officials said recently unsealed FBI files and other federal disclosures warrant renewed scrutiny of potential criminal activity tied to the ranch near Stanley.

Special agents and prosecutors with the New Mexico Department of Justice are seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and plan to work with law enforcement partners and the Jeffrey Epstein Truth Commission recently established by the New Mexico Legislature.

“As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action,” said Lauren Rodriguez, chief of staff for the New Mexico Department of Justice, in a statement.

The agency said investigators will work to collect and preserve any relevant evidence that remains available and will provide updates as appropriate.

No additional details about the scope or timeline of the renewed investigation were immediately released.