New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the U.S. Department of Justice failed to meet a deadline to provide key investigative records related to alleged abuse at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, a sprawling property in northern New Mexico that has long been linked to the convicted sex offender.

Torrez had given federal officials until July 31 to turn over unredacted files after reopening a state criminal investigation into alleged crimes connected to the ranch. As the deadline passed, the Justice Department had not publicly indicated that additional documents would be released.

State Investigation Seeks Unredacted Records

According to Torrez, his office first requested the records in February after reviving an investigation that had previously been opened in 2019.

He says federal authorities have so far provided 31 pages of material, much of which consisted of news articles or heavily redacted documents that investigators say offer little value in pursuing the case.

Torrez has argued that access to the complete files is necessary to identify potential witnesses, corroborating evidence, and any possible co-conspirators connected to alleged crimes at the ranch.

DOJ and Federal Prosecutors Respond

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has stated that it was not the lead agency on the original Epstein investigation and therefore did not possess the investigative records being sought.

Officials said they responded to the state’s request by providing the documents available to them and directing investigators to the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which handled the federal prosecution of Epstein.

Federal officials have previously indicated that some documents remain subject to court-ordered protections, including redactions intended to protect the identities of victims.

Torrez has warned that he may pursue legal action if the requested records continue to be withheld.

In previous public comments, he said the Justice Department has the authority to allow state investigators to review the files and argued that continued delays are slowing efforts to determine whether additional crimes or suspects should be investigated.

He has also expressed frustration that New Mexico paused its earlier investigation at the request of federal prosecutors, only to later encounter difficulties obtaining the investigative records.

Focus on Accountability

Epstein died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death ended the criminal case against him but left ongoing questions about individuals who may have assisted or participated in his criminal activities.

The renewed investigation into Zorro Ranch reflects continued efforts by New Mexico authorities to examine allegations tied to the property and determine whether further prosecutions are possible.

For now, the dispute between state and federal officials over access to the investigative files remains unresolved.