NM Senator Demands Audit of DOJ Over Epstein Ranch Investigation

Senator Lujan Calls for DOJ Audit Amid Epstein Zorro Ranch Probe

Senator Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico is spearheading a bipartisan call for an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling and release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. The senator expressed deep concerns over the DOJ’s compliance with legal deadlines and the completeness of the information provided, suggesting potential cover-ups and systematic failures in past investigations.

Concerns Over DOJ Compliance and File Release

Senator Lujan firmly believes the Government Accountability Office (GAO) remains an independent entity, despite efforts by some Republican colleagues to dismantle it. He highlighted that the Department of Justice notably failed to meet a legal deadline for releasing documents, indicating a lack of compliance. “By virtue of that, they are not in compliance,” Lujan stated, emphasizing that the official defenses of the DOJ’s actions do not align with the facts.

The inquiry, initiated with a straightforward letter detailing twelve specific questions, seeks to uncover who the DOJ appointed to conduct the investigation, what their mandate was, and whether any political figures were shielded from inclusion in the released files. A critical point of contention is the redaction of victim names, which Lujan argues should not have occurred if the process was handled correctly. “There was one mistake after another here,” he observed.

“There’s no question that there were disturbing, disgusting, illegal acts that were taking place. And even if you look at the redacted part, the victim in Florida who flew maybe to New York and then went to New Mexico and there’s victim after victim that landed up in New Mexico. There’s even photos that are in the unredacted version. It doesn’t show who’s in them, but it’s showing what was going on in New Mexico.”

New Mexico’s Independent Investigations into Zorro Ranch

In parallel with federal inquiries, New Mexico is pursuing its own avenues to uncover the truth about activities at the Zorro Ranch. The state’s Attorney General, Raul Torres, has initiated an investigation, acknowledging the significant challenges ahead. These include Epstein’s death, the ranch changing ownership, potential loss of physical evidence, and statutes of limitations that may have expired for certain offenses. Despite these obstacles, AG Torres has pledged to “follow the evidence wherever it leads and leave no credible question unexplored,” promising a full public report at the conclusion of their investigation.

Adding another layer to the state’s efforts, the New Mexico legislature, led by State Representative Andrea Romero and supported by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, has passed legislation to establish a Truth Commission. This commission will work alongside the Attorney General’s investigation, providing “two different sets of eyes” on the events that transpired at Zorro Ranch.

Systematic Failures and Obstacles for Survivors

Senator Lujan expressed bewilderment as to why federal authorities ceased their investigation into the Zorro Ranch while Epstein was alive, especially given the ranch’s documented role in facilitating illicit activities. “There’s no good reason why the Department of Justice should have stopped investigating this. Everyone should have been looking at this,” he asserted, speculating that the pullback may have been to protect certain individuals. “There’s a question that I have about who was covering up for whom and who got the benefit here. But this is just disgusting.”

The transcript also points to a fragmented approach that made it difficult for survivors to seek justice. New Mexico, at the time, had different laws and statutes of limitations that had expired before an investigation could even commence in 2019. Furthermore, the state’s investigation was reportedly halted at the urging of federal authorities in New York, who were building their own multi-state case but largely left the ranch itself unexamined. This series of “systematic failure after systematic failure” has left many unanswered questions and fueled conspiracy theories.

The senator underscored that the Zorro Ranch, located in New Mexico, is repeatedly mentioned in the unredacted files, detailing flights arriving via a private airstrip and commercial airlines. “There’s just no question the stuff that was going on there. It’s insane,” Lujan commented.

Broader Implications and Questions of Accountability

The discussion also touched upon other instances of perceived lack of accountability, referencing the upcoming retirement of Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. Senator Lujan questioned why Bovino, who led controversial immigration operations, was not being investigated for the deaths of two U.S. citizens that occurred under his command. “Why isn’t anybody investigating the two people that got killed, that got murdered, American citizens while he was in charge?” he asked, dismissing the idea that retirement would absolve individuals of responsibility.

Lujan drew a parallel between the handling of the Epstein case and the Bovino situation, suggesting a pattern of “cover-ups” where questions remain unanswered and individuals are allowed to move on without full accountability. He lamented, “My parents growing up, they told me, you know, lies are bad, but the cover-ups worse.” This sentiment reflects a broader public demand for transparency and justice, extending across partisan lines.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing investigations by the New Mexico Attorney General and the newly established Truth Commission, coupled with Senator Lujan’s push for a GAO audit of the DOJ, signal a renewed effort to scrutinize the past actions surrounding the Zorro Ranch. The public’s demand for transparency, as articulated by Lujan, suggests that these inquiries will be closely watched, with a focus on whether they can overcome legal hurdles and uncover the full truth for the victims and the people of New Mexico.

Source: ‘Disturbing, disgusting, illegal': NM Dem describes horrors at Epstein's Zorro Ranch (YouTube)