New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez Sues DOJ Over Withheld Epstein Files
Summary
- New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a federal lawsuit against the DOJ, alleging that they withheld critical evidence from state investigators.
- The lawsuit demands access to unredacted Epstein investigative files that have been withheld by the DOJ since 2019.
- The case highlights the DOJ's handling of evidence and its relationship with state investigators in the ongoing criminal investigation into crimes committed at Zorro Ranch.
What Happened
"New Mexico had no reason to believe federal law enforcement would break their promise, and deviate from historical practice just to block their state counterparts from successfully investigating child sexual abuse under state law." - Attorney General Raúl Torrez
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging that the department withheld critical evidence from state investigators in their ongoing criminal investigation into crimes committed at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch outside Santa Fe. The lawsuit demands access to unredacted Epstein investigative files that have been withheld by the DOJ since 2019. According to the complaint, New Mexico had agreed to pause its state investigation into Epstein-related crimes at Zorro Ranch after federal prosecutors promised they would share relevant information when their own investigation concluded.
Relevant Legal/Regulatory Context
The lawsuit highlights a long-standing issue in the Epstein case: the DOJ's handling of evidence and its relationship with state investigators. In 2019, federal prosecutors asked New Mexico to pause its state investigation into Epstein-related crimes at Zorro Ranch, promising they would share relevant information when their own investigation concluded. However, the complaint alleges that the information was never shared, leaving New Mexico without timely access to witnesses, victims, and other evidence. This has significant implications for the ongoing criminal investigation into crimes committed at Zorro Ranch.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Torrez is a critical development in the Epstein case, as it highlights the DOJ's alleged withholding of evidence from state investigators. The case has significant implications for lawyers advising clients on potential crimes committed at Zorro Ranch, who should be aware that the New Mexico Attorney General has filed a federal lawsuit against the DOJ, alleging that the department withheld critical evidence from state investigators. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences for future investigations and the handling of evidence in similar cases.
Practical Implications
Lawyers advising clients on potential crimes committed at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch should be aware that the New Mexico Attorney General has filed a federal lawsuit against the DOJ, alleging that the department withheld critical evidence from state investigators.
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