New Mexico Sues Justice Department over Epstein Files

New Mexico sued the US Department of Justice on Wednesday for access to unredacted files on Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the federal agency of obstructing its investigation into the late sex offender by withholding documents.

The state reopened its investigation in February and requested the complete files to identify visitors and staff at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, who may have participated in or witnessed crimes.

The Justice Department said it had provided some files but could not release other material because of privacy protections for victims.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez said no charges had been filed because investigators needed to see the documents first. The lawsuit asks the US District Court for the District of Columbia to compel acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche to release the requested files.

On the same day, New Mexico legislators published an interim report from their independent investigation. It found that Epstein abused at least five women and girls at the ranch between 1996 and 2012. A further 30 people may have been victims, witnesses or facilitators of abuse.

(Reuters, bak)