New Mexico AG Accuses DOJ of Blocking Epstein Ranch Files on July 11

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez publicly accused the US Department of Justice on Thursday of withholding unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, claiming the 130-day delay is crippling the state’s criminal investigation. In a June 30 letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Torrez warned that each passing day erodes the foundation for potential prosecution as witnesses relocate, memories fade, and evidence degrades.

Why New Mexico reopened the Epstein investigation

New Mexico halted its initial Epstein investigation in 2019 after federal prosecutors asked the state to stand down. The investigation resumed in February 2026 following the DOJ’s release of millions of files related to Epstein. Those records contained heavily redacted accounts showing multiple survivors were brought to Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe and subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation.

What records Torrez says he needs

Torrez’s letter states that unredacted files contain names of survivors, witnesses, and alleged co-conspirators essential to locating victims and building criminal charges. The heavily redacted public records already show illegal activity occurred at the ranch, but without the unredacted versions, Torrez argues the state cannot fulfill its obligation to investigate and prosecute. He says New Mexico is the only agency currently conducting a criminal investigation into alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch.

DOJ response and the timeline dispute

A DOJ spokesperson told CNN the agency “substantively responded last month to requests from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office” and said it welcomes New Mexico’s investigation. However, Torrez’s letter states that despite verbal assurances of cooperation, access to requested records has not been granted and no substantive response was provided for over 130 days. Torrez called the delay unreasonable under any standard. The DOJ said it stands ready to assist if New Mexico’s investigation uncovers potential federal crimes.

What happens next for survivors

Torrez warned that each day of delay allows witnesses to relocate, trauma-strained memories to fade further, and physical evidence to degrade or be lost. New Mexico authorities searched the ranch in March. A separate state commission is also investigating the property and has issued subpoenas to multiple organizations. The clash between state and federal authorities highlights a broader tension over who controls the Epstein investigation and what information the public will ultimately learn about crimes at the ranch.

Final Thoughts

The dispute centers on whether New Mexico can access unredacted DOJ files to prosecute alleged crimes at Zorro Ranch. Without those names and details, Torrez argues any future prosecution weakens with each passing day. The DOJ says it has responded, but the 130-day gap suggests coordination between state and federal investigators remains strained.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.