New Mexico reopens investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch as searches and DOJ file releases renew scrutiny over visitors and alleged intelligence links (Apr 5, 2026).

Zorro Ranch and Its Ownership

Zorro Ranch, a sprawling property in the high desert of New Mexico, was purchased by Jeffrey Epstein in 1993 from former New Mexico Democratic Governor Garrey Carruthers. The ranch, covering 7,600 acres near Stanley, was renamed Rancho de San Rafael but remains a focal point in the Epstein investigation. Epstein spent about two months each year at this isolated estate.

Investigations and Legal Proceedings

For years, Zorro Ranch was largely untouched by law enforcement. While cases were built in New York and Florida, New Mexico's inquiry went cold after 2019. However, in February 2026, the New Mexico state legislature launched a truth commission to investigate activities at the ranch. This led to a physical search of the property in March, confirmed by multiple news outlets.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez ordered the criminal investigation reopened after reviewing newly released materials from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Victims have alleged trafficking and abuse at the ranch, with Epstein using its remoteness to isolate them. NBC News highlighted how Epstein lured young women with promises of financial help, exploiting the ranch's isolation.

Visitor Records and Alleged Connections

The full visitor list to Zorro Ranch remains unclear. Federal Epstein files mention the ranch, but many details are redacted. An Al Jazeera report in February named six individuals, including a U.S. billionaire, whose identities were obscured in the files. The ranch was known to host figures from academia, government, and finance.

An academic paper suggested the ranch was part of a network of elite access, linking Epstein to NASA and other institutions. This paper's findings have not been independently verified.

Intelligence Agency Allegations

Epstein's alleged ties to intelligence agencies remain a contentious issue. Reports by journalist Vicky Ward and MintPress News suggest Epstein may have been an asset for the CIA and Mossad. However, no U.S. agency has confirmed these claims. FBI files hint at intelligence connections, but the full extent is unknown.

The BBC reported in February that New Mexico prosecutors were specifically seeking unredacted federal files related to the ranch.

What is certain is Epstein's access to powerful individuals and the deliberate cultivation of these relationships at the ranch. Whether the site was used for intelligence gathering remains an open question.