State investigators in New Mexico have launched a search at the remote property once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as part of a reopened criminal investigation into alleged illegal activity at the site, authorities said.
The search of the sprawling Zorro Ranch estate, located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe, was ordered by Raúl Torrez, New Mexico’s Attorney General, and carried out with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office on Monday morning.
The action follows the release of previously sealed U.S. Department of Justice files that have renewed scrutiny of the property’s role in allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking of minors during the period Epstein owned the ranch. The estate had not been searched previously to the same degree as other properties linked to Epstein, including sites in New York and Florida.
Epstein purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993 and built a private runway and luxurious facilities; it remained largely out of the public spotlight until renewed pressure from activists and survivors prompted state lawmakers to establish a bipartisan “truth commission” to investigate past activities at the site.
The state had initially opened an inquiry in 2019, but that investigation was closed at the request of federal prosecutors in New York at the time. Recent developments, including revelations from the Justice Department’s file releases, have prompted authorities to revisit the case.
The property was sold by Epstein’s estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Texas businessman and political figure, who has said he will cooperate with investigators.
Officials did not disclose whether any evidence had been found during the early stages of the search. A spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Justice urged the public to stay clear of the area to avoid interfering with law enforcement operations and said the department remains committed to supporting survivors and following the facts as the probe continues.
The renewed activity at Zorro Ranch adds a significant chapter to the long‑running public and legal debate over Epstein’s activities and the broader handling of allegations tied to his extensive network.