Inside Epstein’s Zorro Ranch: New Mexico Investigation

Investigators have launched a renewed inquiry into the so-called “Zorro Ranch” in New Mexico, a sprawling property once linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as part of an ongoing federal examination into the extent of his network and potential co-conspirators, according to court filings and law enforcement sources familiar with the matter.

The ranch, located near the town of Stanley in central New Mexico, covers approximately 10,000 acres and includes a main residence, guest houses, airstrip, and underground structures. Epstein purchased the property in 2005 through a limited liability company and used it intermittently over the following decade, according to property records and flight logs previously obtained by journalists.

Recent activity at the site has drawn attention from federal authorities, who have conducted aerial surveillance and reviewed access logs as part of a broader probe into whether the ranch was used to facilitate illegal activities, including the sexual exploitation of minors. While no charges have been filed specifically related to the ranch, investigators are examining whether it served as a location where victims were brought or held, particularly during the mid-2000s to early 2010s.

Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, who oversaw the initial indictment against Epstein before his death in 2019, have continued to pursue leads stemming from victim testimony and financial records. Some survivors have described being flown to remote locations under the guise of employment or educational opportunities, with the New Mexico property cited in several accounts as a possible destination.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has not confirmed the scope of its current activities at the ranch, but aerial imagery reviewed by NBC News shows increased presence of government vehicles and personnel near the property’s perimeter in recent months. Local law enforcement in Torrance County has stated they are cooperating with federal investigators but have not been authorized to disclose specifics.

Epstein’s use of the Zorro Ranch has long been a subject of speculation due to its remote location, extensive privacy features, and the presence of atypical architectural elements, including a tunnel system connecting various buildings. While Epstein’s attorneys previously described the tunnel as a utility conduit for electrical and plumbing lines, investigators have questioned whether it could have been used to conceal movement of individuals.

No evidence has been publicly presented indicating that the tunnel was used for illicit purposes, and experts note that similar subterranean features exist on other large private ranches in the American Southwest for climate control and security. Nevertheless, the tunnel remains a point of interest in the investigation due to its concealment and lack of public documentation.

Financial records show that Epstein spent millions of dollars maintaining the property over the years, including staffing, security, and aircraft hangar upkeep. The ranch was transferred to a trust associated with Epstein shortly before his arrest in July 2019, though control of the assets remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings involving his estate and alleged victims seeking compensation.

Attorneys representing dozens of women who accuse Epstein of sexual abuse have called for a full accounting of all properties he controlled, arguing that locations like the Zorro Ranch may hold critical evidence regarding the logistics of his alleged crimes. In civil proceedings, plaintiffs have sought access to flight manifests, visitor logs, and maintenance records tied to the New Mexico site.

As of April 2026, no indictments have been unsealed specifically related to activities at the Zorro Ranch. However, the ongoing review underscores the persistence of the investigation into Epstein’s network, which authorities believe may have included enablers, associates, and property managers who facilitated his operations across multiple states and countries.

The case continues to draw significant public and judicial attention, particularly as new testimony emerges and previously sealed documents are gradually released under court order. For now, the Zorro Ranch remains a focal point in efforts to understand the full scope of Epstein’s operations and the extent to which others may have been involved or complicit.