State investigators in New Mexico have begun an extensive search of Jeffrey Epstein’s remote Zorro Ranch, reviving long-standing allegations of abuse, missing artefacts and “macabre and strange” activities linked to the late financier. The operation, coordinated by the office of Raúl Torrez, comes after newly unsealed federal files and previously overlooked tips raised fresh questions about what may have taken place on the sprawling desert estate.

The renewed effort marks the first major law-enforcement search of the property since Epstein’s 2019 arrest, when authorities focused mainly on his mansion in New York City. Despite allegations that minors were abused on the ranch, it was never thoroughly examined at the time.

Unanswered questions around a missing ‘death bell’

Among the puzzles now resurfacing is the fate of a historic artefact known as the “death bell”, reported missing for nearly a century. The bell, once housed at the San Jose de Gracia Mission Church, vanished during 1930s renovations. According to newly released material from the so-called Epstein Files, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reviewed claims that the object may have resurfaced inside Zorro Ranch.

The documents describe how a man told agents in 2019 that he had seen a real-estate photograph years earlier showing what resembled the long-lost bell inside the mansion. The FBI ultimately concluded at the time, “At this time, we don't believe there are items still located in the residence that would be of value to the investigation.” No physical search of the property followed.

Also read: Schoolgirl uniforms, spy gear, sex toys: DOJ records reveal Epstein’s disturbing online orders

Emails, allegations and years of inaction

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Photo: AFP

Newly disclosed correspondence shows that in 2019, radio host Eddy Aragon forwarded a disturbing anonymous email to the FBI. The message alleged the bodies of “two foreign girls” were buried in the hills near the ranch and detailed claims of deaths “during rough, fetish sex”. It also demanded a Bitcoin payment in exchange for information. Aragon declined to pay and instead alerted authorities.

Federal agents never publicly confirmed whether they pursued the lead. The email was later released as part of millions of documents in the Epstein Files.

Aragon has since carried out his own inquiries into the ranch and its history, telling local media that the truth about the site could be far worse than previously speculated. In his words, “This is way beyond just burying bodies at Zorro Ranch. This is something far more macabre and strange than you think or have thought of.”

Claims of abuse, experiments and a ‘baby factory’

Zorro Ranch has long been at the centre of allegations that Epstein used the isolated compound to groom, exploit and transport young women. Some accusers interviewed by state authorities in 2019 described visiting the ranch as minors.

There are also resurfacing claims, reported over the years by outlets including the New York Post and The New York Times, that Epstein had ambitions to use the property as a hub for a eugenics-style breeding programme, an idea he reportedly discussed with prominent scientists and businessmen. His interest in “seeding the human race with his DNA” was described by critics as a modern echo of early 20th-century eugenics.

In recent comments to the Daily Mail, New Mexico state representative Andrea Romero said individuals had come forward alleging they were drugged and had reproductive material taken from them while on the property. She added the claims “sound very conspiratorial” but insisted they warranted investigation.

Also read: Hidden videos in Epstein files? Cyber expert finds footage concealed as PDFs

Major search now underway

The ranch, located about 30 miles south of Santa Fe, was bought by Epstein in 1993 and sold by his estate in 2023 to the family of Don Huffines, who are fully cooperating with investigators.

State prosecutors say previously sealed FBI files justified reopening the case, and lawmakers recently established a truth commission to examine activities linked to the ranch. Authorities have not disclosed what they are seeking in the current search, though parts of the property, including a large labyrinth-like garden, have already been excavated.

In a statement, state officials said they will “follow the facts wherever they lead” and encouraged anyone with information about events connected to Zorro Ranch to come forward.

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a federal sentence.

(With inputs from agencies)