New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch

The New Mexico Attorney General’s office, led by Raúl Torrez, has announced that it is reopening an investigation into alleged illegal activity that took place at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch. The announcement was made in Albuquerque on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after the state’s office reviewed newly released information from the U.S. Department of Justice and previously sealed FBI files that suggest possible violations that were not fully examined before the case was closed in 2019. In 2019, the New Mexico investigation was closed at the request of federal prosecutors based in New York, but no charges were ever brought against Epstein in state court. The new review points to revelations in the sealed federal files that call for renewed scrutiny, prompting the state’s Department of Justice to now seek immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file. Special agents and prosecutors plan to preserve any evidence still available and will collaborate with other law‑enforcement partners, including a newly formed truth commission established by state lawmakers. The truth commission, a bipartisan panel of four state House representatives, held its first meeting and is charged with investigating whether the ranch facilitated sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The commission also seeks to understand why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008, as well as whether there may have been corruption involving public officials. The Zorro Ranch was originally purchased by Epstein in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King. The estate, which included a hilltop mansion, an airstrip, a ranch office, and a firehouse, was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 to the family of Republican state comptroller candidate Don Huffines. Huffines announced the property would be renamed San Rafael Ranch and would serve as a Christian retreat. Former state officials, including Gov. Bill Richardson and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, have expressed concerns about the ranch’s role in possible illicit activities, citing thousands of references in federal documents. The new investigation seeks to provide transparency and accountability regarding events that may have occurred on the ranch and to ensure any wrongdoing is properly examined.