New Mexico Attorney General Says DOJ Withholds Critical Epstein Files
New Mexico attorney general says DOJ is – New Mexico’s attorney general, Raúl Torrez, has publicly criticized the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for holding back essential, unredacted documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. In a recent letter, Torrez emphasized that the DOJ’s delay in releasing these materials is impeding the state’s ability to build a robust case against Epstein’s alleged crimes. The letter, dated June 30, underscores how the lack of transparency threatens the credibility of evidence and witness accounts, which are central to the ongoing investigation into the ranch’s role in Epstein’s sexual misconduct.
DOJ’s Delay Sparks Concern Over Evidence Integrity
“Every day the DOJ withholds these records, the foundation of a New Mexico prosecution erodes,” Torrez stated. “Witnesses move away, memories fade, and evidence degrades, making it harder to authenticate over time.”
This accusation comes as the state seeks to explore Epstein’s activities at the Zorro Ranch, a property near Santa Fe where he allegedly used his wealth to groom and exploit young victims. Torrez’s letter highlights the urgency of accessing detailed records, including financial transactions, communications, and surveillance footage, to ensure justice for survivors.
The attorney general’s call for transparency follows mounting pressure from Congress to disclose Epstein-related files. A bipartisan bill passed late last year aimed to expedite the release of documents, but Torrez claims the DOJ has not yet fully complied. The state has submitted six formal requests, including a February 13 inquiry and an attempt to arrange an in-person meeting during Torrez’s visit to Washington, D.C. Despite these efforts, the DOJ has yet to provide substantial responses, according to the attorney general.
Reopened Investigation and Legislative Backing
Earlier this year, New Mexico reactivated its probe into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch after the DOJ released millions of files linked to his case. Among the newly available documents was a 2019 email suggesting that “two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G” near the property—a claim that has reignited debates about the ranch’s significance. While the DOJ’s initial releases included heavy redactions, Torrez argues that the state’s investigation requires full access to all records to uncover the truth.
Survivors such as Chauntae Davies and Virginia Giuffre have testified about their experiences at the Zorro Ranch, where Epstein allegedly orchestrated sexual abuse and trafficking. However, the DOJ’s selective disclosure of information has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including those on the “Survivor’s Truth Commission.” This legislative panel, tasked with examining Epstein’s crimes, has issued subpoenas to banks, federal agencies, and state officials to secure further details. Torrez’s letter adds to the growing demand for complete transparency in the case.
Lawmakers have also expressed frustration with the DOJ’s internal review process, which has been scrutinizing how documents were edited before release. Some members reportedly accessed unredacted materials but were restricted in their ability to copy or share them, raising concerns about control over the narrative. Torrez’s letter serves as a direct challenge to the DOJ’s handling of the case, urging them to prioritize state interests in the pursuit of justice.
DOJ’s Defense and State’s Persistent Demands
A DOJ spokesperson defended the agency’s actions, asserting that “substantive responses were provided last month to requests from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.” They emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to supporting state investigations and pledged to collaborate on any potential federal crimes uncovered. However, Torrez’s letter suggests that these responses have been insufficient, with the state still awaiting critical information to proceed with its case.
As the investigation continues, New Mexico officials are pressing for greater access to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch records. The attorney general’s repeated calls for transparency reflect a broader effort to hold the DOJ accountable for its handling of the case. With survivors and lawmakers united in their demands, the pressure on the DOJ to release all documents is intensifying, and the outcome of this dispute could shape the trajectory of Epstein’s legal legacy in the state.
Torrez’s letter, which is part of a larger campaign for accountability, highlights the tension between federal and state prosecutors. While the DOJ maintains that it is cooperating, the attorney general insists that more needs to be done to ensure the full scope of Epstein’s crimes is revealed. This dispute underscores the importance of unredacted records in preserving the integrity of evidence and maintaining public trust in the judicial process.
As the case unfolds, the New Mexico attorney general’s stance reinforces the state’s determination to pursue justice independently. The DOJ’s withholding of critical information has not only slowed the investigation but also fueled questions about the completeness of the federal probe. With a growing body of evidence and testimonies, the call for transparency remains a key demand in the fight to expose Epstein’s alleged wrongdoing at the Zorro Ranch.
