New Mexico's Attorney General Raúl Torrez has sued the Trump administration, alleging it is obstructing a state investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch by refusing to release unredacted files. Torrez stated in a filing that the administration's actions are actively harming victims and undermining the public interest.
The lawsuit claims that the Justice Department's resistance to sharing information is unusual compared to past administrations of both parties. New Mexico officials argue that the redactions in the files obscure the identities of Zorro Ranch staffers and individuals connected to Epstein who may possess crucial information about potential crimes associated with the property. This follows a reopening of the state's investigation into Zorro Ranch in February, prompted by indications in previously released Epstein files that the property had not been fully examined.
Epstein's Zorro Ranch, spanning 7,500 acres in Stanley, New Mexico, has been a significant focus in the ongoing examination of his activities. Emails released earlier this year indicated that former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas had concerns that federal investigators overlooked potential crimes related to the ranch. This led New Mexico lawmakers to establish a bipartisan truth commission to investigate alleged wrongdoing at the property.
In response, a DOJ spokeswoman stated that redactions are necessary to protect victims' identities and are standard practice. She added that a court order prohibits the broad disclosure of victim-identifying information and that New Mexico has not provided a lawful basis to justify such sweeping disclosures. The DOJ has offered to assist New Mexico's investigation in a manner consistent with the law and court orders.
A White House spokesperson reiterated President Trump's claim of being exonerated regarding any Epstein-related matters. In 2019, federal investigators assumed control of a state criminal inquiry into Zorro Ranch, asserting they could build a more robust case. However, New Mexico officials contend that federal authorities did not investigate claims within the state as thoroughly as they did in other locations, such as Manhattan or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
New evidence has emerged, including an anonymous tip sent to the FBI alleging that individuals were raped, killed, and buried on the Zorro Ranch estate. One unverified claim from this tip suggests that two foreign girls died during sexual activity on the property, with their alleged burial ordered by Epstein. This tip has intensified scrutiny on the ranch and its historical investigation.
