By Trendsetter Tribune 
SANTA FE, NM — Following a intense public and legislative pressure campaign, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez officially reopened a criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The decision was spurred by “deeply disturbing” revelations found in thousands of newly unredacted federal files released by the Department of Justice earlier this month.
The 7,500-acre property, located south of Santa Fe, was a known hub for Epstein’s activities but was notoriously never searched by federal authorities during his 2019 prosecution.
New Evidence: The “Buried Bodies” Allegation
The most explosive catalyst for the reopened probe is a 2019 email found within the “Epstein Files.”
- The Claim: An unverified tip from a 2019 FBI file alleges that the bodies of two foreign girls were buried on the grounds of the ranch.
- The Legislative Response: New Mexico State Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) called the report “horrifying,” stating that it must be investigated immediately to bring justice to potential victims whose cases were previously overlooked.
The “Truth Commission” and State Oversight
The Attorney General’s move coincides with the first meeting of the Epstein Truth Commission, a bipartisan, four-member legislative panel established on February 16, 2026.
| Body | Objective | Authority |
| NM Dept. of Justice | Reopened criminal investigation into sex trafficking and illegal acts. | Can file criminal charges and perform site searches. |
| Truth Commission | Investigative panel to “put the whole story together.” | Subpoena power; will hire forensic and legal experts. |
| State Land Office | Investigating corrupt land deals and “privacy” leases. | Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard led the call for the probe. |
Why Now? Overcoming the “Federal Blockade”
Attorney General Torrez revealed that a prior state investigation launched in 2019 was shuttered at the request of federal prosecutors in New York to avoid a “parallel investigation.” With the release of the unredacted federal case files, state officials argue they finally have the documentation needed to pursue local charges.
Key areas of the new investigation include:
- Public Corruption: Probing why Epstein was never required to register as a sex offender in New Mexico despite his 2008 Florida conviction.
- Political Ties: Examining the relationships between Epstein and local political figures, including the late former Governor Bill Richardson.
- Forensic Search: The “Truth Commission” has been granted $2 million in funding, a portion of which is expected to fund ground-penetrating radar and forensic teams to investigate the burial allegations.
Current Status of the Property
The ranch was sold in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Republican politician from Texas. Now renamed the San Rafael Ranch, it is being converted into a Christian retreat. A spokesperson for the Huffines family stated on Thursday that they have not yet been approached by law enforcement but intend to fully cooperate with any investigation.