New Mexico Prosecutors Search Jeffrey Epstein's Former Zorro Ranch

The secluded property is being investigated for potential sexual abuse and sex trafficking allegations.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

State investigators in New Mexico have begun searching the former Zorro Ranch, which was once owned by the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The search comes amid allegations that the property may have been used for the sexual abuse and sex trafficking of young women. The ranch was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023, with the proceeds going to creditors. The current owners are cooperating with the investigation.

Why it matters

Epstein's alleged crimes and the activities at his properties have been a subject of intense public scrutiny for years. The reopening of the investigation into the Zorro Ranch could uncover new evidence and provide further insight into Epstein's alleged criminal activities in New Mexico.

The details

The search of the Zorro Ranch, now known as the San Rafael Ranch, is being conducted by the New Mexico Attorney General's office. The investigation was initially closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, but has now been reopened due to 'revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files.' Epstein purchased the sprawling ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion with a private runway. The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas state comptroller.

  • The search of the Zorro Ranch began on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • Epstein purchased the ranch in 1993.
  • The initial investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York.
  • The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023.

The players

Raúl Torrez

The New Mexico Attorney General who has reopened the investigation into the Zorro Ranch.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and sex offender who previously owned the Zorro Ranch.

Bruce King

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

Don Huffines

The Republican candidate for Texas state comptroller who purchased the Zorro Ranch, now known as the San Rafael Ranch, from Epstein's estate in 2023.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the search of the Zorro Ranch to continue.

The takeaway

This investigation into the Zorro Ranch highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged criminal activities and the potential for new evidence to emerge, even years after his death. The cooperation of the current property owners will be crucial in determining what, if any, wrongdoing occurred at the secluded New Mexico ranch.