New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Fights for Access to Epstein Files in Legal Battle with DOJ
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is taking legal action against the Department of Justice under Donald Trump's administration to obtain unrestricted access to files related to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The state is conducting its own criminal probe into alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch, a large property in Santa Fe County once owned by Epstein. Torrez accuses the Justice Department of obstructing access to crucial evidence by ignoring multiple requests for the documents.
Following the release of millions of documents linked to Epstein by the Trump administration, New Mexico's Department of Justice initiated an investigation into alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch. The property, mentioned thousands of times in the Epstein files, has been associated with Epstein's abuse of victims, including Virginia Giuffre and Annie Farmer. Despite a previous investigation into Epstein's activities in New Mexico closing without charges, Torrez's office is determined to uncover the truth.
The federal lawsuit filed by New Mexico against the Justice Department alleges that the department is unlawfully withholding records that could help identify witnesses, corroborate evidence, and reveal the extent of Epstein's crimes in the state. The lawsuit criticizes the department's actions as harmful to victims and the public interest, accusing them of obstructing the state's investigation into Epstein's activities at Zorro Ranch.
Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King and is alleged to have abused women and girls there over a 26-year period. The property was put up for sale in 2021 and later acquired by businessman Don Huffines. The property's value was contested due to Epstein's notoriety, leading to a lower valuation for tax purposes. New Mexico lawmakers have established an investigatory subcommittee to uncover the truth about Epstein's activities at the ranch, with a budget funded by settlements related to the property's abuses.
In conclusion, New Mexico's legal battle with the Department of Justice highlights the state's commitment to seeking justice for Epstein's victims and uncovering the truth about the alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch. The ongoing investigations and legal actions demonstrate the state's determination to hold perpetrators accountable and provide closure for survivors of Epstein's abuse.