Overview
- The New Mexico Department of Justice said the operation is part of a criminal investigation announced on February 19 into alleged illegal activity at the ranch before Epstein’s 2019 death.
- Authorities cite the public disclosure of millions of Justice Department documents that reference “Rancho Zorro” thousands of times as a catalyst for renewed investigative steps.
- Local officials have sought an uncensored 2019 email reported by U.S. media that alleges two foreign young women were buried near the property, an assertion investigators say they are treating as a lead.
- Investigators asked the public to stay away and avoid drone activity during the operation and thanked the ranch’s current owners for facilitating access.
- Survivors have long alleged abuse at the site, including claims by a woman known as Jane Doe 15 and by Annie Farmer, who testified about Ghislaine Maxwell’s conduct; Rep. Melanie Stansbury said no lead will be dismissed.