N.M. Rep. Warns Evidence at Epstein Ranch May Be at Risk as Probe Reopens

Concerns are growing that potential evidence tied to Jeffrey Epstein's former New Mexico estate could be compromised as construction begins on the property while state authorities reopen a criminal investigation into alleged activity there.

New Mexico State Rep. Andrea Romero warned Newsweek on Saturday that the failure to secure Epstein's sprawling 7,500-acre property in 2019 has left investigators racing against time as renovation work begins at the site.

"Absolutely, it's a worry that this could be compromised," Romero told the outlet when asked whether ongoing construction at the ranch could affect potential evidence.

She said a former FBI agent serving on the state's Epstein Truth Commission has also warned that investigators must ensure "things aren't being changed around while we have victims coming forward."

The Democrat lawmaker said the renewed investigation offers what she described as a rare opportunity for accountability after years of unanswered questions surrounding alleged abuse tied to the ranch.

"The fact that we have to do it at all is absurd," Romero said of the legislature's decision to create a nonpartisan Epstein Truth Commission tasked with establishing a public record of allegations linked to the property.

"We need to be able to trust our institutions."

The property, formerly known as Zorro Ranch, has long been linked to claims from accusers who say they were trafficked there as minors.

Epstein, the financier accused of operating a global sex trafficking network involving underage girls, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges, halting the case against him and leaving many allegations unresolved.

Romero said New Mexico authorities initially opened an investigation after Epstein's arrest but were told by federal prosecutors in New York to stand down while the federal case proceeded. That investigation was ultimately closed after Epstein's death.

"The federal government told us to stand down, but there were no crimes tried at all," Romero said. "We as New Mexicans need to know what happened there, and we as a country need to know why these crimes were somehow disregarded or ignored when it came to New Mexico."

State officials say newly released federal materials have prompted a renewed look at the case. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has ordered the criminal investigation into alleged illegal activity at the ranch to be reopened, with prosecutors seeking access to unredacted federal case files while assessing what evidence may still exist.

The ranch has since been sold to Texas businessman and former GOP state senator Don Huffines, who renamed the property San Rafael Ranch and has said he plans to convert it into a Christian retreat. Construction is already underway, raising concerns among lawmakers and survivors that potential evidence could be altered.

Allen Blakemore, a spokesman for Huffines, told Newsweek the property was purchased at public auction years after Epstein's death and that proceeds from the sale benefited victims.

"Four years after Mr. Epstein's death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims," Blakemore said, adding that the owners had never visited the property before the auction listing.

Blakemore said authorities have not contacted the owners about accessing the property but that they would cooperate if asked.

"The owners have never been approached by local, state, or federal law enforcement requesting access to the San Rafael Ranch," he said. "If, and when they do, of course, they will be granted full and complete cooperation."

Lauren Rodriguez, chief of staff at the New Mexico Department of Justice, said the decision to reopen the case was based on information in previously sealed federal records.

"Upon reviewing information recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Raul Torrez has ordered that the criminal investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch be reopened," Rodriguez said.

She added that special agents and prosecutors will seek immediate access to the full federal case file and work with law enforcement partners and the state's Epstein Truth Commission as the investigation proceeds.