DEMING – New Mexico investigators have begun searching the former Zorro Ranch property once owned by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking a significant step in a reopened state investigation into alleged crimes tied to the sprawling Santa Fe County estate.
The search was launched Monday by the New Mexico Department of Justice. According to a report in the Santa Fe New Mexican, the agency has “initiated a search” of the ranch, with officials confirming that investigators are examining both the land and buildings on the property as part of the renewed probe.
Epstein, who faced federal charges of child sex trafficking, died in a New York jail in 2019. While several of his properties in other states and territories were investigated by federal authorities, officials say the New Mexico ranch had not previously undergone a full-scale search by law enforcement.
Department of Justice spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez confirmed that the search remains ongoing and declined to provide details about what investigators may have discovered. Rodriguez said the operation includes assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.
The ranch’s current owners, the Huffines family of Texas, granted consent for investigators to access the property. Texas real estate developer and political candidate Don Huffines and his family purchased the estate in 2023 and renamed it San Rafael Ranch.
Rodriguez said the Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation from the property’s owners and staff during the search.
The renewed investigation follows a public rally Sunday outside the ranch gates where protesters called for accountability in connection with Epstein’s alleged activities in New Mexico. Demonstrators chanted demands for action from New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and called for a thorough investigation of the property.
Questions surrounding the ranch have persisted for years. An earlier state investigation into Zorro Ranch was closed in 2019 after federal prosecutors in New York requested the state pause its inquiry while preparing their case against Epstein. The New Mexico Department of Justice reopened its investigation last month.
Some critics argue the investigation is long overdue. Albuquerque radio host Eddy Aragon, who has followed the case for years, said authorities should have searched the property much earlier.
The renewed attention also comes after the release of federal documents related to Epstein that included an anonymous message claiming two girls were buried near the ranch property. The claims have not been independently verified but prompted renewed calls for authorities to examine the site.
State officials have also raised concerns about construction activity at the property. Earlier this year, state and county officials ordered work halted after determining that required permits had not been obtained for certain construction projects at the ranch.
Attorney General Torrez acknowledged in a recent opinion article that the passage of time could complicate the investigation, noting that some physical evidence may no longer exist.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues and to refrain from flying drones nearby to prevent interference with law enforcement operations.
The New Mexico Department of Justice is also asking anyone with information related to activities at Zorro Ranch to submit tips through the agency’s website.