Chicago – July 10, 2026
NEW MEXICO — State Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the U.S. Department of Justice is withholding “critical” unredacted records tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, slowing New Mexico’s criminal inquiry into possible abuse and trafficking at the property near Santa Fe. Torrez said his office has repeatedly sought the files since February, arguing that the delay is hurting the state’s ability to pursue leads and preserve evidence.
In a letter released last week, Torrez accused federal officials of failing to provide substantive responses despite multiple outreach attempts and more than 130 days of waiting. The investigation was revived after the Justice Department released new Epstein-related materials earlier this year, including an anonymous 2019 email that raised fresh questions about activity at the ranch.
New Mexico authorities searched Zorro Ranch in March and are also working with a state truth commission examining alleged sexual abuse at the estate. The ranch, once Epstein’s private compound south of Santa Fe, has long been central to accusations that he used it to groom and exploit victims.
