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The New Mexico Department of Justice made headlines on Monday by launching a search operation at Zorro Ranch, a property that was once under the ownership of the infamous Jeffrey Epstein.
In a formal statement, a spokesperson for the department revealed, “Under the directive of Attorney General Torrez, we commenced a search today at the former Epstein-owned Zorro Ranch. This effort is supported by the New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.”
The search forms a critical part of the criminal investigation initiated by the New Mexico Department of Justice on February 19th. This investigation delves into allegations of unlawful activities that allegedly took place at Epstein’s ranch prior to his death in 2019. The spokesperson expressed gratitude towards the current owners for their cooperation in allowing access to the property, as well as to the ranch staff for their professionalism during this process.
Accompanying the ongoing investigation is a reminder of Epstein’s notorious past, as seen in his 2019 mugshot following federal trafficking charges. (Image credit: Kypros/Getty Images)
The department also issued a public advisory, urging people to avoid the area and to refrain from using drones nearby, which could disrupt the law enforcement activities underway. “We are committed to keeping the public informed, supporting survivors, and pursuing the truth wherever it may lead,” the statement concluded.
Authorities said Epstein died by suicide while incarcerated in Manhattan in 2019.
In an aerial view, Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch is shown on March 8, 2026, outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Roberto E. Rosales/Getty Images)
The property was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 — with proceeds going toward creditors — to the family of Don Huffines, a candidate in Texas for state comptroller who won the Republican primary last week.
Last month, the New Mexico Department of Justice noted that the state attorney general had ordered the reopening of a criminal probe.
“Upon reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Raúl Torrez has ordered that the criminal investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch be reopened. Although the State of New Mexico’s prior investigation was closed in 2019 at the request of the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination,” the department noted in the February statement.
Attorney General of New Mexico Raúl Torrez speaks during a rally organized by Accountable Tech and Design It For Us to hold tech and social media companies accountable for taking steps to protect kids and teens online on Jan. 31, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Accountable Tech)
“Special agents and prosecutors at the New Mexico Department of Justice will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners as well as the Epstein Truth Commission recently established by the New Mexico Legislature. 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. We are moving quickly and deliberately on this issue and will provide updates as appropriate,” the statement added.