The New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) searched a secluded ranch formerly owned by financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following allegations that the property may have been used as a hub for sex trafficking and sexual abuse against young women before Epstein died in 2019.
The office of state Attorney General Raul Torrez announced on Monday afternoon that the search of the property near Stanley, New Mexico, began in the early morning with the cooperation of the New Mexico State Police, the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, and the current property owners.
Torrez had previously announced on Feb. 19 that his office would reopen a criminal investigation into the activity at the ranch during the time that Epstein owned it.
The initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York. New Mexico state prosecutors now state that "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination."
Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King.
Epstein’s estate sold the property in 2023 to the family of former member of the Texas State Senate Don Huffines, who is currently running for Texas Comptroller.
NMDOJ thanked Huffines and the ranch staff for their cooperation.
"The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners," the agency said in a statement. Prosecutors "will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead."
New Mexico state officials have established a new commission to investigate past activities at the property.
“We urge the public to please stay away from the area and ground any drone activity nearby to avoid interfering with the ongoing law enforcement operation,” a NMDOJ spokesperson said.
