New Mexico DOJ sues Trump administration over Jeffrey Epstein files
NEW MEXICO —
The New Mexico Department of Justice has announced it has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the U.S. Department of Justice over files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and the Zorro Ranch.
The suit is asking the court for access to unredacted files related to Epstein that the New Mexico DOJ says the U.S. DOJ is withholding. The New Mexico DOJ is also seeking an order to require the U.S. DOJ to produce requested records or to evaluate the request under its own regulations.
The New Mexico DOJ argues in the lawsuit that the U.S. DOJ’s refusal to provide unredacted files violates the Administrative Procedure Act and interferes with New Mexico’s authority to investigate and prosecute crimes within the state.
“New Mexico has a duty to protect survivors and investigate crimes committed in our state so that perpetrators can be held accountable,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “We asked the Department of Justice to cooperate by providing access to records that may be critical to identifying victims, witnesses, and additional criminal conduct at Zorro Ranch. Their delay is actively hurting our criminal investigation and delaying justice Epstein survivors deserve.”
The New Mexico DOJ accuses the Trump administration of refusing to share records that could help investigators identify witnesses, corroborate evidence and determine the full scope of crimes that may have happened in New Mexico. The New Mexico DOJ says the federal government is withholding the records without any legal justification and is obstructing the state’s ability to investigate crimes within the state.
KOAT’s Target 7 Investigative Team uncovered and analyzed records released by the U.S. DOJ that relate to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.
KOAT uncovered how prominent political figures in New Mexico became tied to Jeffrey Epstein and the Zorro Ranch.
>>> Secrets of Zorro Ranch: See the full investigation and blueprints of the Epstein Zorro Ranch property
The New Mexico Department of Justice says federal prosecutors previously told state investigators to stand down from the state investigation into Epstein and the property. In 2019, the U.S. DOJ told the state they would share information once their work concluded.
The New Mexico DOJ contends that information has not been provided.
To read the full complaint, click here.
