New Mexico Investigators Search Epstein's Former Ranch

Authorities act on new information about alleged abuse and burials at the secluded property.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Investigators in New Mexico have begun searching the former high-plains ranch of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, where he and his acquaintances are accused of sexually abusing women and girls. The search follows the state's decision to reopen the investigation into Epstein's alleged criminal activities at the ranch, located 30 miles south of Santa Fe. Authorities are acting on new information from documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, including an accusation that Epstein ordered the bodies of two foreign girls buried in the hills near the property.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has become a persistent political problem, with allegations of public corruption that allowed him to operate in secrecy at the ranch for 26 years before his death in 2019. New Mexico is the first U.S. state to launch a legislative 'truth commission' to uncover possible corruption related to Epstein's activities.

The details

On Monday, a Reuters witness reported seeing government vehicles, including one with a paw-print symbol suggesting it was carrying animals, leaving the ranch. State police and a county fire and rescue vehicle were also spotted at the scene. The new owners of the property, which was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023, are cooperating with the investigation and have granted access for the search.

  • The search began on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • New Mexico closed its previous Epstein investigation in 2019 at the request of federal authorities.
  • Epstein's estate sold the property in 2023 to Texas businessman Don Huffines, who renamed it San Rafael Ranch.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A late financier accused of sexually abusing women and girls at his former ranch in New Mexico.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's partner, who is also accused of involvement in the alleged abuse at the ranch.

Raul Torrez

The New Mexico Attorney General who decided to reopen the investigation into Epstein's alleged criminal activities at the ranch.

Don Huffines

The Texas businessman who purchased Epstein's former ranch in 2023 and renamed it San Rafael Ranch.

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What’s next

The search of Epstein's former ranch is ongoing, and authorities have indicated they will continue to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.

The takeaway

The reopening of the investigation into Epstein's activities at his former New Mexico ranch highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of his alleged crimes and the potential public corruption that enabled him to operate in secrecy for so long. This case underscores the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable, even years after their deaths.