Authorities from New Mexico have reopened a criminal investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's alleged illegal activity at his formerly owned Zorro Ranch. The announcement from Attorney General Raúl Torrez was made on Thursday, 19 February.
According to Torrez, information revealed in documents released by the United States Department of Justice led to the investigation. On 30 January, over three and a half million government files related to Jeffrey Epstein were released.
Federal prosecutors in New York previously moved to close the case in 2019, but the recent revelations from once-sealed FBI files 'warrant further examination,' according to state prosecutors.
In a statement, the New Mexico Department of Justice said, 'As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available.'
State lawmakers have formed abipartisan 'truth commission,' a panel consisting of four state House representatives, following their first meeting on Tuesday. The bipartisan is tasked to probe allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking at Epstein's Zorro Ranch.
We are taking a broad and comprehensive look at Zorro Ranch–related matters and working alongside the truth commission and law enforcement partners. We will follow the facts and keep the public informed.pic.twitter.com/FXoCKBZGeG
Lawmakers in New Mexico now warrant answers on why Epstein wasn't registered as a sex offender following his guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from a child in 2008. They are also looking into the involvement of corruption among public officials, perPBS News.
The reopened investigation at Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico raises questions about the involvement of many high-profile individuals in his activities involving women and children, and the evidence that may come to light following the investigation.
Among what analysts could potentially uncover are trails of financial records, correspondence, or even personal documents that connect individuals to the convicted sex offender's network.
Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, which was bought by Jeffrey Epstein in 1993 from its previous owner, Democratic Governor Bruce King, sprawled towards a firehouse, an office, and a heated garage. In 2023,Epstein's estate sold the ranch to pay creditors. It was renamed to San Rafael Ranch.
Source: International Business Times UK
