New Mexico Sues DOJ Over 13,000 Zorro Ranch File References as Epstein Probe Frictions Deepen
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 5
New Mexico Sues DOJ Over 13,000 Zorro Ranch File References as Epstein Probe Frictions Deepen
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 5
Summary
Raúl Torrez sued the Justice Department on Wednesday, accusing it of hiding unredacted Epstein records and blocking New Mexico’s reopened criminal investigation into alleged abuse at Zorro Ranch.
The lawsuit says DOJ’s own releases contain more than 13,000 references to Zorro Ranch and 5,000 to New Mexico, while Torrez argues federal inaction is delaying accountability for survivors and possible co-conspirators.
DOJ said it is not required to share unredacted files because victims’ privacy outweighs the request, a rationale Torrez rejected as lacking credibility given the department’s past handling of survivor information.
A 119-page interim report from the state Truth Commission landed the same day, demanding withheld records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and exposing strain with Torrez’s office over information-sharing and witness interviews.
The twin developments intensify pressure on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as he seeks Senate confirmation, while New Mexico remains one of the few jurisdictions still pursuing potential charges tied to Epstein’s ranch.