New Mexico Reopens Criminal Probe into Epstein's Ranch

State's attorney general orders renewed investigation based on new evidence from Justice Department

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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New Mexico's attorney general has ordered the reopening of the state's criminal investigation into alleged crimes at a ranch owned by the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after the U.S. Justice Department recently made public millions of Epstein-related files that shed new light on his criminal activities in New Mexico over three decades. The renewed probe will seek immediate access to the DOJ's complete case file and work with a new legislative committee investigating Epstein's alleged crimes at the Zorro Ranch south of Santa Fe.

Why it matters

The investigation into Epstein's activities in New Mexico has become a political issue, with pressure mounting to uncover his alleged crimes. The renewed probe could lead to new revelations and potentially hold others accountable, even years after Epstein's death in 2019.

The details

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez ordered the reopening of the state's criminal investigation into Epstein's Zorro Ranch after his predecessor closed the case in 2019 to avoid overlap with federal probes. The move comes after the Justice Department released millions of files that provided new information on Epstein's activities in the state over three decades. As part of the renewed investigation, special agents and prosecutors will seek access to the DOJ's full case file and work with a new legislative committee examining Epstein's alleged crimes at the ranch.

  • On January 30, the U.S. Justice Department made public millions of Epstein-related files that shed new light on his criminal activities in New Mexico.
  • On February 17, New Mexico's Democratic-controlled legislature launched a committee to investigate Epstein's alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch.
  • On February 19, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez ordered the reopening of the state's criminal investigation into Epstein's ranch.

The players

Raul Torrez

The current attorney general of New Mexico who ordered the reopening of the state's criminal investigation into Epstein's ranch.

Hector Balderas

Torrez's predecessor as New Mexico attorney general, who had closed the investigation into Epstein's ranch in 2019.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender who owned the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, where he allegedly committed various crimes.

Don Huffines

A Texas businessman and politician who purchased the Zorro Ranch from Epstein's estate in 2023 and plans to turn it into a Christian retreat.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, whose administration is facing political pressure to uncover Epstein's crimes.

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What they’re saying

“'Revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.'”

— Lauren Rodriguez, Spokesperson, New Mexico Department of Justice

What’s next

As part of the renewed investigation, special agents and prosecutors will seek immediate access to the U.S. Department of Justice's complete, unredacted case file on Epstein and work collaboratively with the legislature's investigative committee.

The takeaway

The reopening of the criminal investigation into Epstein's activities in New Mexico represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of his alleged crimes and hold others potentially accountable, even years after his death. The new evidence and political pressure have prompted state authorities to take a fresh look at this case.