SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking access to unredacted investigative files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his former Zorro Ranch property in Santa Fe County.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the lawsuit Wednesday, arguing that federal officials are withholding records that could be critical to New Mexico’s ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of abuse, trafficking, and other crimes that may have occurred at the ranch.
According to the complaint, state investigators believe the records could help identify potential victims, witnesses, and additional criminal conduct connected to Epstein’s activities in New Mexico.
The lawsuit alleges the federal government has refused to provide unredacted documents despite requests from state authorities. New Mexico argues that the refusal is hindering its ability to investigate crimes that may have occurred within the state and is interfering with its authority to pursue potential prosecutions.
State officials also claim that federal prosecutors asked New Mexico to pause its investigation in 2019 while the federal case against Epstein proceeded, with assurances that relevant information would later be shared. The state says that information has not been provided.
The lawsuit asks a federal court to declare the Justice Department’s refusal unlawful and order the release of the requested records. Alternatively, the state is asking the court to require federal officials to reconsider the request under existing Department of Justice procedures.
The filing comes as New Mexico continues its renewed investigation into activities connected to Zorro Ranch, a property Epstein owned in southern Santa Fe County for more than two decades.
