New Mexico attorney general says DOJ is withholding ‘critical’ information related to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch
New Mexico Attorney General Says DOJ Withholding Epstein Files
New Mexico attorney general says DOJ is – New Mexico attorney general says the Department of Justice is holding back critical documents that could strengthen a state prosecution related to Jeffrey Epstein. Raúl Torrez, the state’s top legal official, sent a formal letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on June 30, expressing deep concern about the federal government’s handling of unredacted Epstein files. According to Torrez, this lack of transparency is directly impacting New Mexico’s ability to pursue justice for survivors of the convicted sex offender. The letter, which was made public on Thursday, outlines specific ways in which the delayed release of these records is causing real harm to the potential case being prepared by the state’s office.
The attorney general’s complaint highlights several practical consequences of the DOJ’s decision to withhold information. Torrez pointed out that every additional day without access to these crucial documents weakens the foundation of a possible New Mexico prosecution. Potential witnesses are relocating and becoming harder to reach, while memories of events are fading after years of trauma. Physical evidence and documentary materials are also at risk of degradation or loss, making authentication more difficult as time passes. These concerns were clearly articulated in Torrez’s written correspondence, which emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Every day that the USDOJ withholds these records, the foundation upon which a New Mexico prosecution could be built erodes,” Torrez wrote in a scathing letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on June 30 that was publicly released on Thursday.
Context of the Epstein Investigation
This dispute comes at a significant moment in the broader Epstein investigation. Congress recently passed a bipartisan legislative measure late last year, compelling the Justice Department to release a substantial portion of the Epstein files. Despite this congressional mandate, questions remain about what information is still being kept from public view and state authorities. New Mexico officials are particularly focused on claims of wrongdoing connected to Zorro Ranch, a property owned by Epstein located near Santa Fe. The ranch has become a focal point for investigations into potential violations that may have occurred on the premises.
The relationship between federal and state authorities in this matter has been complex. While the DOJ has stated it has provided a meaningful response to requests from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office during the previous month, Torrez maintains that more information is needed. A representative for the Justice Department emphasized that the federal government remains open to the state conducting further inquiries into the ranch and is prepared to offer whatever assistance is necessary. They added that if the state’s probe uncovers violations of federal law, the DOJ would be willing to collaborate on any resulting actions.
Implications for Survivors and Justice
The outcome of this ongoing disagreement could have far-reaching implications for survivors seeking accountability. New Mexico attorney general says that timely access to the withheld documents is essential for building a comprehensive case. The state’s investigation into Zorro Ranch represents one of several efforts across the country to examine potential misconduct related to Epstein’s properties and activities. As Torrez noted in his letter, the passage of time is not merely an abstract concern—it is actively working against the interests of justice for those affected by the convicted sex offender’s actions.
Legal experts suggest that the documents in question may contain information about other individuals connected to Epstein, as well as details about activities that took place at various locations, including the New Mexico ranch. The state’s ability to fully investigate these matters depends heavily on receiving complete and unredacted records from the federal government. Until that happens, Torrez argues, New Mexico’s efforts to deliver justice will remain incomplete. The attorney general’s office continues to monitor the situation closely and has indicated it will not hesitate to take further action if necessary to secure the information it needs.
