New Mexico prosecutors have launched a search of the secluded Zorro Ranch in Stanley, where financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once entertained guests, following revelations in newly released FBI files that suggest the property may have been used for sexual abuse and sex trafficking of young women.

Background of the Zorro Ranch and Epstein’s Connection

Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in Stanley, New Mexico, in 1993 from former Democratic Gov. Bruce King and constructed a hilltop mansion with a private runway. The ranch, located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe, was a private retreat for Epstein and his associates.

The property was sold in 2023 by Epstein’s estate to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas state comptroller who recently won the Republican primary. Proceeds from the sale were reportedly used to pay off creditors.

New Mexico’s initial case related to the ranch was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York. However, the state attorney general’s office has now stated that the recent release of previously sealed FBI files has warranted a re-examination of the property and activities that allegedly took place there prior to Epstein’s 2019 death.

State Investigation Reopened in February

State Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced in February that an investigation into the Zorro Ranch and related activities had been reopened. The decision was linked to the then-recent release of the Epstein files, which contained a wealth of previously undisclosed information.

The New Mexico Department of Justice, in collaboration with the New Mexico State Police and Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the search of the ranch on Monday. According to a spokesperson for the department, the current ranch owners have cooperated with the investigation.

The department stated in a statement that it appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners and that prosecutors will continue to follow the facts and keep the public informed. The agency also emphasized its commitment to supporting survivors of alleged abuse.

Additionally, New Mexico state legislators have established a new commission to investigate past activities at the Zorro Ranch. This move signals a growing interest in understanding the extent of any illegal activities that may have occurred at the property.

Epstein’s Legal History and Impact on Investigations

Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, faced charges of sexually abusing and trafficking dozens of underage girls. He was never charged in New Mexico, but the state attorney general’s office confirmed in 2019 that it had interviewed possible victims who visited Epstein’s ranch.

The newly released FBI files, which were previously sealed, have raised significant questions about the role the Zorro Ranch may have played in Epstein’s activities. The files reportedly contain details about individuals who visited the ranch and the nature of the interactions that took place there.

The investigation into the Zorro Ranch is part of a broader effort to understand the full scope of Epstein’s alleged criminal activities and the potential involvement of other individuals and locations. As the search continues, prosecutors have emphasized that they will follow the facts wherever they lead.

The search of the Zorro Ranch is expected to take several weeks, with authorities planning to examine documents, property, and any other evidence that may be relevant to the case. The results of the investigation could have significant implications for understanding the extent of Epstein’s operations and the legal responsibilities of those who may have been involved.