Investigators in New Mexico initiated a search on Monday of the former ranch owned by Jeffrey Epstein, targeting the secluded high-plains property where the late financier and associates have been accused of sexually abusing women and girls, state authorities said.
State officials said the renewed inquiry was prompted by new material contained in documents made public in January by the U.S. Department of Justice, including an allegation that Epstein ordered the burial of two foreign girls in hills near the ranch. The action follows a decision by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez last month to reopen an investigation into the alleged criminal conduct at the property, located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Santa Fe.
What happened on site
A witness at the scene on Monday reported hearing dogs barking and observed a government vehicle bearing a paw-print symbol leave the ranch, suggesting animals were involved in the operation. State police and a county fire and rescue vehicle were also seen departing the property, according to observers.
The current owners of the property, who purchased it from Epstein’s estate in 2023 and renamed it San Rafael Ranch, have cooperated with investigators and granted access for the search, the state Department of Justice said.
Why the probe was reopened
New Mexico officials said the decision to reopen the inquiry was driven by newly released DOJ files that surfaced late in January. Those files reportedly included allegations and extensive material documenting Epstein’s social connections and the activities that occurred at the ranch. The department emphasized it will keep the public apprised, support survivors and follow factual leads wherever they lead.
New Mexico had closed an earlier state investigation into Epstein in 2019 at the request of federal authorities. State officials note that there has never been a comprehensive state-level investigation of alleged assaults by Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell and visitors to the ranch.
Political and legislative developments
Last month, New Mexico became the first U.S. state to establish a legislative "truth commission" aimed at investigating possible public corruption that might have enabled Epstein to operate at the ranch in relative secrecy for 26 years prior to his death in 2019. The broader collection of files released by federal authorities on January 30 disclosed extensive social ties between Epstein and a range of politicians, business people and scientists whom he invited to the property.
Observers have noted the case has become a recurrent political problem for President Donald Trump. Public polling referenced by observers indicates most Americans view the Epstein case as an example of wealthy and powerful people often evading accountability.
Next steps and limitations
The state Department of Justice has pledged to continue informing the public and supporting survivors while pursuing new leads. Officials have not outlined a timeline for the investigation or detailed the specific locations being searched on the property. The new owners’ cooperation has allowed investigators to proceed on site.