New Mexico prosecutors launch search of Jeffrey Epstein's secluded former Zorro Ranch

The entrance of the ranch previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein. (AP: Savannah Peters)

In short:

New Mexico state investigators have begun searching Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico ranch following allegations the property was used in relation to the sexual abuse and trafficking of young women.

The state's Attorney-General Raúl Torrez says revelations related to the ranch "outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination".

What's next?

The search is being undertaken with the cooperation of current property owners, the family of Republican candidate for Texas state comptroller Don Huffines.

New Mexico state investigators have begun searching a secluded ranch where financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once entertained guests amid allegations the property may have been used for the sexual abuse and sex trafficking of young women.

The office of state Attorney-General Raúl Torrez announced the search was being done with the cooperation of the current ranch owners.

New Mexico state legislators have established a new commission to look into past activities at the ranch. (AP: Savannah Peters)

Mr Torrez last month reopened an investigation of the ranch.

New Mexico's initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, and state prosecutors now say "revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination."

Epstein purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in Stanley, New Mexico, about 48 kilometres south of Santa Fe, in 1993 from former Democratic governor Bruce King and built a hilltop mansion with a private runway.

The property was sold by Epstein's estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, a Texas candidate for state comptroller who won the Republican primary last week, with the proceeds going toward creditors.

"The New Mexico Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the current property owners,"

the agency said.

Prosecutors "will continue to keep the public appropriately informed, support the survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead".

Jeffrey Epstein’s estate sold the property in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines. (AP: Savannah Peters)

Additionally, New Mexico state legislators have established a new commission to look into past activities at the ranch.

Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls.

Epstein never faced charges in New Mexico, but the state attorney general's office in 2019 confirmed that it had interviewed possible victims who visited Epstein's ranch.