Federal Obstruction Claims Surround New Mexico’s Zorro Ranch Investigation into Jeffrey Epstein
POLICY WIRE — Santa Fe, New Mexico — Renewed scrutiny surrounds allegations concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, prompting former New Mexico officials to question whether a potential cover-up...
POLICY WIRE — Santa Fe, New Mexico — Renewed scrutiny surrounds allegations concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, prompting former New Mexico officials to question whether a potential cover-up hindered a state investigation.
Recent reporting by NBC News’ Hallie Jackson, shared with KOB 4, delves into the controversial Santa Fe County property. Jackson’s investigation highlights persistent questions from survivors’ families, seeking clarity on past events.
Allegations of Federal Interference
During her report, Jackson recounted meeting Sky and Amanda Roberts at Zorro Ranch. They were near a memorial for their sister, Virginia Roberts Dufray, who was a prominent accuser of Epstein.
Roberts Dufray tragically died by suicide last year, leaving behind a posthumously published memoir. In her writings, she detailed accounts of being groomed and assaulted at the secluded ranch.
Jackson also shared insights from an interview with former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas. Balderas discussed previous state attempts to investigate Epstein’s activities, specifically pointing to what he termed the “first cover-up” occurring in 2019.
“The former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas suggesting that it was the Federal Department of Justice told him to stand down – and we talked about it at length there and he directly and he called it – I think it’s the first cover up there.” — Hallie Jackson reporting on Hector Balderas’s claims.
According to Balderas, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) instructed his office to cease its investigation. This directive was reportedly issued to prevent conflicting testimony as federal prosecutors pursued their own case against Epstein.
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Ongoing State Investigation and Calls for Transparency
Currently, New Mexico’s Attorney General Raul Torrez has initiated an investigation into the ranch through the New Mexico Department of Justice. This renewed state effort underscores a commitment to uncovering the full truth.
Torrez’s office is actively awaiting the release of unredacted files pertaining to Epstein. He has publicly expressed his expectation for “full cooperation” from the federal Department of Justice in Washington, hoping to gain access to crucial information.
The continued pursuit of answers by New Mexico authorities highlights the enduring impact of the allegations and the persistent demand for accountability regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.
