New Mexico reopens probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch

New Mexicos attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epsteins former Zorro Ranch Attorney General Raul Torrezs office made the announcement Thursday saying the decision was made after reviewing information recently released by the US Department of JusticeAlthough New Mexicos initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York state prosecutors say now that revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examinationThe New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranchAs with any potential criminal matter we will follow the facts wherever they lead carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations and take appropriate investigative action including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statementRenewed efforts to investigate the sex trafficking allegationsWhile Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe They never elaborated on how many accusers were interviewed or what they say took place at the ranchThe New Mexico Department of Justice did not immediately respond to emailed questions about why state prosecutors were requested to close the investigation in 2019 or whether there were specific allegations detailed within the recent filings that were released that prompted reopening the investigationOn Tuesday New Mexicos truth commission had its first meeting The bipartisan fourmember panel of state House representatives is charged with investigating allegations that the ranch may have facilitated sexual abuse and sex traffickingNew Mexico lawmakers also said they want to know why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and whether there was corruption among public officialsProperty is under new ownershipEpstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in 1993 from former Democratic Gov Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion Nearby was a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad The property also included a ranch office a firehouse and a sevenbay heated garageThe property was sold by Epsteins estate in 2023 with proceeds going toward creditors to the family of Don Huffines a Republican running for state comptroller in Texas In a social media post on X Huffines said the property has been renamed San Rafael Ranch after a saint associated with healing and that his family plans to operate a Christian retreat thereA spokesperson for Huffines has said that the owners have never been approached by local state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the ranch and if they do full cooperation will be grantedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever