New Mexico Sues DOJ, Todd Blanche Over Epstein Investigation

New Mexico on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for allegedly preventing its investigation into the Epstein files. Outlets across the political spectrum covered the story similarly, with some focusing on the implications for Blanche amid his upcoming confirmation hearing.

The Details: The lawsuit accuses the DOJ and Blanche of blocking the state from investigating possible crimes at convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County. Filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the lawsuit asks a judge to compel the DOJ and Blanche to turn over unredacted investigative files the state says it needs to identify victims, witnesses and potential perpetrators, according to The Wall Street Journal (Center bias). The DOJ has cited the need to protect victim privacy as part of its defense. 

For Context: New Mexico approved a probe of Zorro Ranch in February through a bipartisan commission. The 7,600-acre ranch is located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe and has been identified as a location where Epstein trafficked and sexually assaulted women and girls. One email released by the DOJ as part of the Epstein investigation claimed that two women were allegedly killed and buried at the site.

New Mexico's Investigation: The Christian Science Monitor (Center) led with findings from New Mexico's legislative committee that reportedly confirmed reports of five women and minors who Epstein abused at Zorro Ranch. It described New Mexico's investigation timeline from February and mentioned that 10 of Torrez's separate requests for information from the DOJ were either denied or ignored. CNN (Lean Left) wrote that updates from New Mexico and the DOJ's Epstein investigations "raise questions about potential conflicts and tension between the two bodies ostensibly working toward the shared goal." The New York Post (Right) highlighted testimony from Epstein's victims, including what they told New Mexico's commission about the ranch. Washington Examiner (Lean Right) emphasized quotes from Torrez and his frustration with the DOJ.

Implications for Blanche: Some outlets contextualized the lawsuit within Blanche's upcoming nomination to be attorney general. The Guardian (Left) reported that "Democrats and critics have accused Blanche of covering up many of the files." CNN said New Mexico's investigation is "adding even more pressure" to Blanche as he works "furiously" to "mollify senators and secure his confirmation." It noted that Blanche can only lose two GOP votes in the Senate to win confirmation. The New York Post mentioned criticism toward the DOJ by Epstein's accusers and some members of Congress over the Epstein files having "shoddy redactions and too many sealed materials." 

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