Investigative authorities in the US state of New Mexico have begun an investigation into the ranch belonging to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, state justice authorities said, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
Authorities in New Mexico launched an investigation after the Justice Department published material in January this year alleging that Epstein ordered the bodies of two foreign girls to be buried near the hills surrounding his secluded estate.
The search began after New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torres decided to reopen the investigation into Epstein's criminal activities at the ranch, which is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of the state capital, Santa Fe.
"The New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to inform the public, provide support to survivors and pursue the facts of this case wherever they lead," the New Mexico Attorney General's Office said in a statement.
The state's investigators closed their previous investigation into Epstein in 2019 at the request of federal authorities. A full investigation into the allegations of physical abuse involving Epstein, his partner Gillian Maxwell and visitors to the ranch has never been conducted.
Last month, New Mexico became the first state to create a legislative commission to investigate alleged corrupt practices in the public sphere that allowed Epstein to secretly continue his illegal activities for 26 years until his death in 2019.
Epstein's property was sold in 2023 to Texas businessman Don Huffines, who renamed it "Rancho San Rafael". The new owners are cooperating with investigators and have granted access to the ranch, New Mexico Department of Justice officials said.