US Justice Dept. Denies New Mexico Epstein File Access

The United States Department of Justice has denied a request from New Mexico officials seeking access to sealed court documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged abuse. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated on March 14, 2024, that the withheld records are crucial for the state's ongoing criminal investigation into alleged abuse that occurred at Epstein's ranch in the state. The refusal by the Justice Department means that New Mexico authorities will not be able to review the documents, which they believe could contain vital information about potential victims and perpetrators.

Torrez had previously sent a formal request to the Justice Department's Office of the Pardon Attorney, which holds the sealed records. The state's investigation is focused on identifying potential victims and holding accountable any individuals involved in the alleged abuse at the ranch, which was known as the "Zorro Ranch." The Attorney General's office indicated that the sealed filings are believed to contain information that could significantly advance their criminal inquiry. The Justice Department's decision, however, presents a significant obstacle to this effort.

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His network of associates and alleged victims has been the subject of numerous investigations and public scrutiny. The sealed documents in question are part of the legal proceedings that followed his arrest and indictment, and their contents have largely remained private. New Mexico's request aimed to unseal these specific records to aid their state-level criminal probe.