New Mexico Probes Epstein’s Zorro Ranch for Criminal Activity

Investigators Search Jeffrey Epstein’s Former New Mexico Ranch

Investigators with the New Mexico Justice Department conducted a search on Wednesday at the former Zorro Ranch, a sprawling property once owned by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, located approximately one hour outside Santa Fe. The search, carried out in cooperation with the ranch’s current owners, is part of a renewed investigation into allegations that the ranch may have been used for criminal activities.

Renewed Scrutiny Following DOJ Document Release

The New Mexico Attorney General’s office had reopened its investigation into Zorro Ranch last month, following the release of new allegations contained within the Epstein files by the Department of Justice. While the specific allegations prompting the current search were not detailed by the AG’s office, some recently unsealed documents included an email sent to a local radio host. This email alleged that “somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro, two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madame G.” It is important to note that no evidence has yet surfaced to corroborate these specific claims, and attorneys for Ghislaine Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Truth Commission Focuses on State Law Gaps

The renewed attention on Zorro Ranch comes amid broader scrutiny of Epstein’s properties, which has previously focused heavily on his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands and his New York City townhouse. In New Mexico, a Truth Commission, established by the state legislature, is undertaking a multi-million dollar investigation. This commission aims to examine potential failures in state laws that may have allowed or failed to prevent criminal activities associated with Epstein.

“This is through the New Mexico State Legislature,” explained Ryan Reilly, who is covering the story. “Correct. Aimed at looking at what exactly went wrong in terms of what could they have missed in state laws that could have been improved or fixed to prevent this from happening?”

Reilly noted that the Truth Commission was only recently opened, shortly after the release of the DOJ documents. “Exactly right. And so, I mean, you know, when you’re talking, it’s a little bit I think, you know, as you read in sort of that, that intro there, there’s questions about what exactly they’re zeroing in on. But I think that this is meant to sort of create, give some answers to the public rather than necessarily at the moment, at least based on what we know focused on any individual criminal charges.”

Potential for Broader Investigations

While Epstein himself cannot face charges due to his death, the investigation’s focus appears to be on uncovering the truth behind the allegations and identifying any gaps or weaknesses in state law that may have facilitated such activities. This could potentially include identifying other individuals who may have been complicit.

“In other words, if there were any other coconspirators kind of thing, potentially,” an interviewer suggested. “Yeah, I think going to you know, it’s very sort of early on,” Reilly responded. “But the nice thing is that they have a pretty tight timeline for when they’re actually going to get the report out. So this isn’t going to be one of those investigations that just goes on forever. And we don’t really have an answer. There will be some sort of public result in this investigation. And the Democratic AG is very focused on this as well, and has made these announcements about what they’re looking into.”

Survivors Push for Answers

The renewed investigations have been significantly pushed by survivors of Epstein’s abuse, including the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers. The Truth Commission’s timeline is described as contained, with a deadline for its report likely to expedite the process.

“Survivors have been pushing, some of them for this investigation, including the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who, of course, is Jeffrey Epstein’s one of his most prominent accusers,” the interviewer stated. “Here you talk about the timeline being somewhat would you call it accelerated or at least contained?”

“Contained? Yeah. I think, you know, when they limit themselves to a number of certain, you know, months, then I think that’s certainly there’s a little bit of an expedited basis there. But, you know, a deadline can sometimes push you, as we as journalists know. You know, if you if you have a deadline, it pushes you,” Reilly added.

What’s Next for Zorro Ranch Investigation

As investigators continue to sift through evidence at Zorro Ranch, the focus remains on uncovering potential criminal activity and identifying legislative shortcomings. The public awaits the findings of the Truth Commission, which is expected to deliver its report within a defined timeframe, offering a clearer picture of what transpired at the infamous ranch and whether state laws need reform to prevent future abuses.

Source: New Mexico investigates Epstein ranch over allegations of criminal activity (YouTube)