New Mexico reopens investigation linked to Epstein's former Zorro Ranch

U.S. New Mexico reopens investigation into allegations at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch February 19, 2026 / 6:28 PM EST / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein s former Zorro Ranch. Attorney General Raúl Torrez's office made the announcement Thursday, saying the decision was made after reviewing information in the so-called Epstein files recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Although New Mexico's initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors say now that "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination." The New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners as well as a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranch. "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," the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement. While Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico , state prosecutors confirmed in 2019 that they had interviewed possible victims who visited the ranch south of Santa Fe. They never elaborated on how many accusers were interviewed or what they say took place at the ranch . The New Mexico Department of Justice did not immediately respond to emailed questions about why state prosecutors were requested to close the investigation in 2019 or whether there were specific allegations detailed within the recent filings that were released that prompted reopening the investigation. Reuters news agency reported that New Mexico's D...