New Mexico Authorities Launch Search of Jeffrey Epstein's Former Zorro Ranch
New Mexico authorities have initiated a search of Zorro Ranch, a property previously owned by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, state officials announced on Monday. The sprawling 10,000-acre ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, was the site of numerous alleged abuses, according to civil and criminal proceedings, but had not been subject to intense scrutiny until now.
Background and Renewed Investigation
The search comes several weeks after New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez announced the state would reopen its 2019 investigation into claims of illegal activity at Epstein's ranch. This move follows renewed attention on Zorro Ranch after the US Department of Justice disclosed roughly 3 million investigative documents related to Epstein. The state had previously put its case on hold at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, who were conducting a second investigation into Epstein's sex-trafficking scheme, which led to his arrest.
In addition, New Mexico state legislators have established a truth commission to examine activity at the ranch. The Guardian's investigation in February revealed that federal authorities apparently never searched the New Mexico ranch, and prior to the state's recent reopening of its case, there appeared to be no active criminal investigations into the location.
Alleged Abuses and Challenges
For years, Epstein allegedly abused teenage girls and young women at Zorro Ranch with impunity, according to testimony from several women. Survivors detailed a range of horrors that they said unfolded at the isolated plot of land, including visits by powerful men such as a former New Mexico governor. The ranch was also the proposed setting for Epstein's reported plans to spread his DNA across the human race by impregnating as many women as possible.
Investigating the ranch seven years after Epstein's arrest poses significant challenges. John Day, a New Mexico defense attorney and former prosecutor, noted that the long delay likely means the value of anything that they can find would be minimal, as it is unclear what has happened between Epstein's last presence and the new owners' acquisition. Kate Mangels, a partner with the firm Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir, added that a search would be unlikely to uncover forensic evidence, but it could potentially bolster survivors' accounts by verifying details like the layout of the property.
Current Search and Public Response
The New Mexico department of justice, assisted by state police and the Sandoval county sheriff's office, carried out the search at the direction of Attorney General Raúl Torrez. In its announcement, the state justice department thanked the current property owners for their cooperation and urged the public to stay away from the area. Officials did not provide further details about the search, stating: The New Mexico department of justice will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead.
This development marks a critical step in addressing the alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch, as authorities work to uncover evidence and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.
