Investigators search Epstein ranch in New Mexico

Investigators in the US state of New Mexico have resumed a search of the former ranch of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who faced allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

The search follows Attorney General Raul Torrez’s decision to reopen the investigation into possible crimes linked to the remote property about 30 miles south of Santa Fe.

The move was prompted by new information contained in US Department of Justice documents released in January. According to the documents, Epstein allegedly ordered the bodies of two foreign girls to be buried in the hills near the ranch.

A Reuters witness reported seeing police cars, paramedics and special units with dogs at the site.

The state closed its previous investigation in 2019 at the request of federal authorities, and the alleged crimes at the ranch were never fully investigated.

New Mexico has since established a legislative ‘truth commission’ to investigate possible failures by authorities and whether Epstein was able to operate on the ranch for decades without state intervention.

(reuters, pir)