New Mexico sues US Justice Department for impeding Epstein probe

New Mexico's Attorney General Raul Torrez has sued the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing it of withholding crucial unredacted documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's activities at his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. Torrez argues these documents are vital for the state's criminal investigation into potential victims, witnesses, and further criminal conduct at the ranch. The lawsuit escalates a dispute where the Justice Department claims privacy laws prevent them from releasing the unredacted materials. New Mexico's investigation into Zorro Ranch began in 2019 but was previously asked to stand down by the Justice Department, which was conducting its own probe into Epstein. The state alleges federal law enforcement failed to adequately search or seize Epstein's New Mexico property.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Justice and acting attorney general Todd Blanche for allegedly "stonewalling" the state's criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's activities at his Zorro ranch. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, follows the Justice Department's apparent failure to meet a July 31 deadline to share information regarding alleged abuse at the ranch. Torrez contends that the provided documents were largely unhelpful and that federal prosecutors have refused to cooperate with the state's investigation. The state seeks a court declaration that the Justice Department acted illegally and requests the court to compel compliance with transparency laws and regulations.

The state of New Mexico has sued the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging they obstructed the state's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes at a ranch in New Mexico. Filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., the lawsuit claims the Justice Department and Blanche have stonewalled New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez's criminal probe, hindering efforts to hold Epstein's associates accountable and provide justice to survivors. New Mexico's investigators have reportedly faced sustained resistance and denial of information requests. This legal action coincides with New Mexico releasing preliminary findings from its ongoing investigation into Epstein and his ranch. The lawsuit seeks judicial intervention to compel the federal government to provide relevant materials.