DOJ Searches Former Zorro Ranch for Illegal Activity Allegations

AG: New Mexico Press Releases

Filed March 9th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice, with assistance from state police and fire/rescue, conducted a search of the former Zorro Ranch property as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged illegal activities prior to Jeffrey Epstein's death. The department is seeking public information related to events in New Mexico.

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What changed

The New Mexico Department of Justice, under Attorney General Torrez, executed a search of the former Zorro Ranch, previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, on March 9, 2026. This action is part of a criminal investigation initiated on February 19th concerning allegations of illegal activity that occurred on the ranch before Epstein's death in 2019. The search involved the New Mexico State Police and the Sandoval County Fire and Rescue K-9 team, with cooperation from the current property owners.

This search signifies an escalation in the ongoing investigation, indicating a focus on gathering evidence related to past alleged crimes. The Department of Justice is actively soliciting credible information from the public that may be relevant to events that occurred in New Mexico, providing a dedicated tip submission portal. While no specific compliance actions are mandated for regulated entities, this development underscores the importance of vigilance regarding potential historical illegal activities and cooperation with law enforcement inquiries.

What to do next

Review internal records for any information potentially relevant to the New Mexico Department of Justice's investigation into the former Zorro Ranch.
Submit any relevant information to the New Mexico Department of Justice via their provided tip portal.
Ensure compliance with any future requests for information or cooperation from law enforcement agencies.

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Statement from New Mexico Department of Justice Spokesperson Regarding Today’s Search of the Former ‘Zorro Ranch’

March 9, 2026

“At the direction of Attorney General Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice initiated a search this morning of the Zorro Ranch property previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, with the New Mexico State Police and Sandoval County Fire and Rescue K-9 team providing assistance. This search is part of the criminal investigation announced by the New Mexico Department of Justice on February 19th into allegations of illegal activity at Epstein’s ranch prior to Epstein’s 2019 death. The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners in granting access for the search and extends its thanks to the ranch staff for their professionalism. We urge the public to please stay away from the area and ground any drone activity nearby to avoid interfering with the ongoing law enforcement operation. The New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead.”

The New Mexico Department of Justice is seeking credible information from members of the public who may have knowledge relevant to events that occurred in New Mexico. If you have information that may assist this investigation, we encourage you to submit a tip.