New Mexico AG claims DOJ withholding critical Jeffrey Epstein evidence

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has accused the US Department of Justice (DOJ) of withholding unredacted files linked to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch, saying the delay is hindering the state's criminal investigation.

In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, released publicly on Thursday, Torrez warned that the lack of access to the records could weaken any future prosecution.

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"Every day that the USDOJ withholds these records, the foundation upon which a New Mexico prosecution could be built erodes," Torrez wrote, according to CNN.

"Witnesses relocate and become unreachable. Memories, already strained by years of trauma, fade further. Physical and documentary evidence degrades, is lost, or is rendered more difficult to authenticate with the passage of time”, he added.

The investigation focuses on allegations of illegal activity at Epstein's Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. CNN reported that New Mexico reopened its criminal probe in February after millions of Epstein-related files were released by the DOJ.

A DOJ spokesperson told CNN the department had "substantively responded last month to requests from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office" and said it "welcomes New Mexico undertaking additional investigation of the Zorro Ranch" while remaining ready to assist if needed.

According to CNN, New Mexico authorities searched the ranch in March.

A separate state commission is also investigating the property and has issued subpoenas to multiple organisations as part of its inquiry.