By Micah Jonah, February 19, 2026
Authorities in the US state of New Mexico have launched an investigation into allegations that two foreign girls were buried near the ranch of late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of newly disclosed federal documents.
The New Mexico Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that it is reviewing claims contained in a redacted 2019 email referenced in documents made public by the United States Department of Justice.
According to a spokesperson for the state agency, officials have requested an unredacted copy of the email from federal authorities and are conducting a broader review in light of the latest disclosures.
The email, reportedly sent months after Epstein’s death in 2019, was addressed to a New Mexico radio host and claimed that two foreign girls had been buried “somewhere in the hills” outside the Zorro Ranch, located about 48 kilometres south of Santa Fe. The sender, who claimed to be a former ranch employee, also alleged possession of videos linked to Epstein’s activities, demanded payment in cryptocurrency.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment on the matter, while the US Justice Department has not issued an immediate response.
An FBI report from 2021, included among the recently released documents, confirmed that the radio host forwarded the email to authorities shortly after receiving it. However, a review of the latest disclosures did not reveal corroborating evidence supporting the claims made in the message.
Federal officials have previously cautioned that some materials released in connection with the Epstein investigation may contain unverified or sensational allegations that were not substantiated by investigators.
Separately, New Mexico lawmakers have initiated a broader inquiry into allegations of abuse linked to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, which he owned for decades. State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has called for comprehensive investigations into any potential criminal activity tied to the property and adjacent state lands.
Epstein died in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
The latest development is expected to renew scrutiny of Epstein’s activities in New Mexico as authorities assess the credibility of the newly surfaced claims.
