Additional Coverage:
New Mexico Authorities Search Jeffrey Epstein’s Former “Zorro Ranch” Amid Renewed Scrutiny
STANLEY, NM – New Mexico law enforcement has launched a search of the sprawling Zorro Ranch, a property once owned by deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a resurgence of interest sparked by recently unsealed federal documents.
The New Mexico Department of Justice confirmed the search of the secluded ranch, located roughly 30 miles south of Santa Fe, began Monday morning. This action is part of a criminal investigation initiated last month by state authorities, probing allegations of illegal activities that purportedly occurred at the ranch during Epstein’s ownership.
Details regarding the search’s duration or any findings have not yet been released.
Historically, Zorro Ranch had not faced the intense law enforcement scrutiny seen at Epstein’s other estates in New York, South Florida, and the Caribbean. However, the release of extensive federal files linked to Epstein prompted New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez to order the reopening of the state’s criminal investigation into the property. Torrez noted the original state inquiry was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors.
Among the millions of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department in late January was a 2019 email sent to a local radio host.
This email alleged that “somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro, two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G.” While this claim remains unverified, the extent of its prior investigation by law enforcement is unclear.
Radio host Eddy Aragon previously informed CNN that he believed the email came from someone who worked at the ranch, though he declined to name the individual. He stated attempts to reply to the sender bounced back.
Records indicate Aragon forwarded the allegations to a redacted email address four days after receiving it. Aragon further shared that he brought the email to the local FBI office and passed it to an agent.
Following the state investigation’s reopening, Aragon told CNN he engaged in a 30-minute interview with the New Mexico Department of Justice.
The emergence of Aragon’s email prompted Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico’s commissioner of public lands, to formally request the state Department of Justice investigate the claims last month. She informed CNN in February that the New Mexico DOJ’s special investigative office subsequently contacted her for “background information” on state lands and her agency’s 2019 documentation.
Garcia Richard confirmed Tuesday that the New Mexico State Land Office has granted the state Department of Justice a 180-day right of entry to the state land portions of the property, with renewal options. “I just feel very gratified that it seems like the New Mexico Department of Justice has been responsive to the mounting calls in our state for someone finally to go out to that property – both the state land and the private part of the, of the ranch – and, you know, look for evidence, gather evidence,” Garcia Richard stated.
Beyond the criminal inquiry, the state’s House of Representatives last month voted to establish a bipartisan “Truth Commission” to investigate allegations of criminal activity surrounding the ranch. This commission is empowered to issue subpoenas and compel witness attendance at its hearings.
In a statement released Monday, the commission expressed its welcome for the property search and commended Attorney General Raúl Torrez for “taking long-overdue steps.” “What should have been done years ago is now underway, and we are grateful that the people of New Mexico-and survivors everywhere-are finally being heard,” the commission declared. “For years, this property has stood as a symbol of unanswered questions.”
The ranch is currently owned by the family of Don Huffines, a businessman and former Texas state senator. Huffines, who is running for state comptroller, has previously pledged cooperation with any law enforcement investigation concerning the property. The New Mexico Department of Justice confirmed in its statement that the current owners and staff are cooperating with the search.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid the remote ranch area to prevent interference with law enforcement operations.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.