New Mexico Searches Epstein Ranch Years After Keys Arrived in Mail

SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Justice announced Monday it has initiated a long-awaited search of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch, a property state officials acknowledge has been in their possession since 2019. Attorney General Raúl Torrez described the operation as 'a methodical and thorough examination of all relevant materials,' though investigators arrived to find the gates unlocked and a complete set of ranch keys left in an envelope marked 'For Authorities' in the mailbox.

'We are treating this with the urgency it deserves,' Torrez said during a press briefing, standing before an oversized map of the 10,000-acre property. 'Our team has established a command center on-site and is systematically reviewing evidence that has been, by all accounts, waiting for us.'

The search comes five years after Epstein's death and four years after New Mexico authorities first took control of the property. According to internal memos obtained by The Guardian, the attorney general's office had scheduled 'periodic visual inspections' of the ranch's perimeter but cited a three-year waiting list for state forensic accountants and the need to prioritize 'urgent spreadsheet audits' over physical evidence collection.

Investigators quickly discovered what they termed a 'highly organized operational center' in the main ranch house. The centerpiece was a detailed 'Monday Incident Map' pinned to a whiteboard, alongside binders labeled 'Ranch Briefing Materials' arranged chronologically from 2013 to 2019. Each binder contained what appeared to be daily logs, visitor records, and transportation schedules.

'The level of documentation is both thorough and disturbing,' said Sandoval County Sheriff Michael Rogers, who is assisting with the investigation. 'We've found scheduling documents that appear to catalog activities down to the hour, complete with color-coded symbols we're still deciphering.'

The most striking discovery was a series of maps titled 'Iran Coordination Boards,' which initially confused investigators until they realized the reference was to what appeared to be Epstein's internal code for coordinating international travel. One map showed flight paths between the ranch and various international locations, with handwritten notes about 'logistical considerations' and 'local protocols.'

'This appears to be their term for managing complex international travel arrangements,' said a federal investigator who spoke on condition of anonymity. 'They've got what looks like a full operational plan for moving people across borders, with specific notations about 'cultural exchange programs' and 'educational opportunities.'

Critics have questioned the timing of the search, noting that it comes years after similar properties owned by Epstein were thoroughly investigated. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's accusers, expressed frustration at the delay. 'They've had years to search that place,' she said. 'What exactly were they waiting for? An invitation?'

The search has been complicated by the ranch's remote location and extensive facilities. Investigators have identified multiple structures beyond the main house, including guest cabins, a swimming pool complex, and what appears to be a private airport hangar. Each structure contains what officials describe as 'additional documentary evidence' that requires cataloging.

'The level of organization here is frankly impressive,' said Sheriff Rogers. 'We're examining a complete set of laminated emergency protocols for 'unexpected visitor arrivals,' including step-by-step instructions for 'rapid welcome package assembly' and a flowchart for 'escalating floral arrangements based on guest importance.'

The investigation team has established a temporary headquarters in the ranch's main conference room, where they've arranged the discovered materials for review. Large whiteboards once used by Epstein's staff now display evidence flowcharts and investigation timelines prepared by authorities.

As the search enters its second week, officials say they've uncovered additional scheduling documents, including what appears to be a 'Summary Incident Map' that categorizes activities by type and frequency. The map uses a complex system of symbols and color codes that investigators are still working to interpret.

'The pattern emerging suggests a highly organized operation,' said Attorney General Torrez. 'We're following every lead and documenting everything meticulously.'

The investigation continues as officials acknowledge they have yet to review the millions of pages of federal documents recently released. When asked about the timeline for examining those records, Torrez said the state would 'eventually get to them' after completing the physical search.

In the end, the most telling discovery may have been the ranch's guest book, which investigators found neatly maintained through Epstein's final days. The last entry was dated August 9, 2019—the day before Epstein's death—with a notation that simply read: 'Cleaning crew scheduled.'