New Mexico Reopens Probe Into Epstein's Former Zorro Ranch

State prosecutors say new revelations warrant further examination of alleged illegal activity at the property.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. The decision comes after reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice. State prosecutors will be seeking access to the complete federal case file and working with a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranch.

Why it matters

The Zorro Ranch was owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and has long been the subject of allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The reopening of the investigation and the establishment of a state-level truth commission indicate that authorities are taking these allegations seriously and are determined to uncover the full truth about what may have occurred at the property.

The details

New Mexico's initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York. However, state prosecutors now say that 'revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.' Special agents and prosecutors will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as the new truth commission established by state lawmakers.

  • The initial case was closed in 2019.
  • The investigation has been reopened in 2026.

The players

Raúl Torrez

The attorney general of New Mexico who has reopened the investigation into the Zorro Ranch.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender who owned the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.

Bruce King

The former Democratic governor of New Mexico who sold the Zorro Ranch to Jeffrey Epstein in 1993.

Don Huffines

The Republican candidate in Texas for election to the office of state comptroller who purchased the Zorro Ranch from Epstein's estate in 2023 and renamed it the San Rafael Ranch.

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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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the state prosecutors full access to the unredacted federal case file.

The takeaway

The reopening of the investigation into the Zorro Ranch and the establishment of a state-level truth commission demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are now treating the long-standing allegations of illegal activity at the property. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein's activities and hold those responsible accountable.