New Mexico Reopens Probe into Epstein's Former Zorro Ranch

State investigators will examine allegations of illegal activity at the late financier's property.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into alleged illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. The decision comes after the state reviewed recently released information from the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors will seek access to the full federal case file and work with a new state truth commission to look into potential sexual abuse and sex trafficking at the property.

Why it matters

The Zorro Ranch case has long been shrouded in secrecy, and the reopening of the investigation could shed new light on Epstein's activities in New Mexico and any potential involvement of public officials. The state's truth commission will also examine why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after his 2008 conviction.

The details

New Mexico's Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file on the Zorro Ranch. They intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as a new state-level truth commission established by lawmakers to investigate allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking at the property.

  • The initial New Mexico case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York.
  • The decision to reopen the investigation was made after reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • On Tuesday, New Mexico's truth commission held its first meeting to begin investigating the Zorro Ranch allegations.

The players

Raúl Torrez

New Mexico's attorney general who has reopened the investigation into the Zorro Ranch.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who purchased the Zorro Ranch property in New Mexico in 1993.

Don Huffines

The Republican candidate in Texas for state comptroller who purchased the Zorro Ranch property in 2023 after it was sold by Epstein's estate, renaming it the San Rafael Ranch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As 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.”

— New Mexico Department of Justice (pbs.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the New Mexico Department of Justice full access to the unredacted federal case file on the Zorro Ranch investigation.

The takeaway

The reopening of the Zorro Ranch investigation in New Mexico highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein's alleged criminal activities and any potential involvement of public officials. The state's new truth commission will play a key role in this process, which could have significant implications for how the property is used going forward.