New Mexico’s Attorney General has accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of delaying access to federal records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, warning that the lack of cooperation is hindering the state’s efforts to investigate alleged crimes committed at Epstein’s New Mexico ranch.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez said his office has been waiting for more than four months for documents requested from the federal government, arguing that the delay is obstructing an ongoing state investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.
State Says Key Evidence Has Not Been Released
In a letter addressed to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Torrez said New Mexico requested the records more than 130 days ago but has yet to receive access or a substantive response.
According to the attorney general, the requested material includes information that could help investigators identify survivors, witnesses, alleged accomplices and other individuals considered important to the state’s inquiry.
Torrez argued that the prolonged delay is slowing investigative work and limiting prosecutors’ ability to build potential criminal cases.
He maintained that federal authorities had previously provided verbal assurances that the records would be made available but said those commitments have not been fulfilled.
Investigation Focuses on Zorro Ranch
The state’s investigation centers on Zorro Ranch, Epstein’s sprawling property in Santa Fe County, where multiple women have alleged they were taken and subjected to sexual abuse.
State officials reopened inquiries into activities at the ranch after federal authorities began releasing large volumes of documents related to Epstein’s criminal investigations.
Court records and public testimony have previously linked the ranch to several survivors’ accounts.
Among them was Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and was photographed at the New Mexico property. Other survivors, including Annie Farmer, have also publicly described abuse they said occurred there.
Torrez stated that publicly available records already indicate that several victims were transported to the ranch, but he said unredacted federal files are needed to corroborate testimony and establish a stronger evidentiary foundation.
Attorney General Warns Delay Could Affect Future Cases
According to Torrez, withholding the requested documents risks undermining any future prosecutions by delaying evidence collection and creating additional legal challenges related to statutes of limitations and due process.
He argued that continued delays are causing “real and escalating harm” to the state’s investigation and reducing opportunities to secure justice for alleged victims.
The attorney general called on the Justice Department to release the requested materials without further delay.
Earlier Investigation Ended Without Charges
New Mexico previously opened a criminal investigation into Epstein’s activities in 2019.
That inquiry concluded the following year without criminal charges being filed.
Epstein died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial in New York on sex trafficking charges. Authorities ruled his death a suicide.
Lawmakers Launch Independent Inquiry
Earlier this year, New Mexico lawmakers established a special investigative subcommittee with subpoena powers to continue examining Epstein’s activities within the state.
The bipartisan panel has authority to collect testimony, obtain records and review evidence relating to alleged crimes connected to the ranch.
State Representative Andrea Romero, who supported the initiative, said residents deserve a full accounting of what occurred at the property and whether others may have had knowledge of any criminal conduct.
The committee is expected to continue its work through the end of 2026 with a budget of approximately $2 million, funded through proceeds from a 2023 legal settlement involving financial institutions accused of failing to identify suspicious activity connected to the property.
Ranch Has Changed Ownership
Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King.
The expansive estate includes a large mansion, a private airstrip and a helipad.
Following Epstein’s death, the property was placed on the market in 2021 with an asking price of $27.5 million.
In 2023, it was acquired by businessman Don Huffines through San Rafael Ranch LLC.
Huffines, a Texas Republican politician and businessman, has publicly identified himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump.
According to local property records, the new owners have challenged the ranch’s tax valuation, arguing that its association with Epstein has negatively affected its market value.
