New Mexico sues US Justice Department for impeding Epstein probe

New Mexico has escalated its dispute with federal authorities by filing a lawsuit against the Department of Justice and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The state's Attorney General Raul Torrez contends that the federal government is unlawfully withholding unredacted documents necessary for New Mexico's investigation into activities at Zorro Ranch, a sprawling property formerly owned by convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Torrez argues that access to these materials is essential for identifying victims, witnesses, and evidence of additional criminal conduct at the ranch. He stated that despite verbal assurances of cooperation from federal officials, the Justice Department has failed to provide the requested documents, thereby impeding the state's criminal investigation and delaying justice for survivors.

The Justice Department has countered that privacy law prevents it from releasing unredacted documents from its Epstein file to state officials. Federal authorities have suggested that complying with New Mexico's demands would violate federal law.

Epstein owned the Zorro Ranch from 1993 until his death in 2019. During that period, he faced accusations of orchestrating a sex-trafficking operation with hundreds of alleged victims. New Mexico initiated its investigation into the ranch in February 2019, but the Justice Department requested the state stand down and transfer its findings to federal authorities in July of that year. The dispute reflects broader tensions between Torrez, a Democrat, and the Republican administration of President Donald Trump.