US investigators begin search of Epstein’s former ranch in New Mexico

US investigators begin search at Epstein's former ranch in New Mexico The search comes after the release of investigative files renewed attention on the activities of sex offenders at Zorro Ranch. Investigators in the United States have begun searching late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's former ranch in New Mexico, authorities said. Monday's search of Epstein's Zorro Ranch came after the release of millions of investigative files increased pressure on authorities to reexamine the late financier's treatment of women and girls at the remote property. Recommended stories list of 4 items: list 1 of 4 Trump claims Iran was planning to “take over the Middle East” before the US attacked - list 2 of 4Australia to send missiles to the United Arab Emirates and a surveillance plane to help defend the Gulf - list 3 of 4North Korea denounces military exercises between the United States and South Korea that “exhibit their muscles” - list 4 of 4 US consumers express dismay over rising gas prices after Iran attack Last month, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez ordered authorities to take another look at Epstein after the southwestern state closed a previous investigation in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors. State lawmakers are also re-examining Epstein's activities in New Mexico through a bipartisan “truth commission” equipped with subpoena powers. "We urge the public to stay away from the area and discontinue any drone activity in the vicinity to avoid interfering with the ongoing law enforcement operation," the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement. "The New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to keep the public adequately informed, support survivors, and follow the facts wherever they lead." Epstein owned the property, located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Santa Fe, from 1993 until his death in 2019 following his sex trafficking indictment. Epstein's accusers, including the late Virginia Giuffre, have said they suffered abuse at the property, although the late financier was never charged with any crime in connection with the site while he was alive. The latest release of files on Epstein by the U.S. Department of Justice in January contains numerous unsubstantiated (and in some cases implausible) tips related to the sex offender and his associates. They include an email from an alleged former Zorro Ranch employee who offered to provide videos of Epstein abusing minors in exchange for payment of one Bitcoin. The anonymous sender also claimed that the bodies of two foreign girls had been buried in the hills outside the ranch on the orders of Epstein and his ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.