More than a dozen former employees from Zorro Ranch have been interviewed by investigators as part of a New Mexico sex trafficking investigation and criminal probe into the activities of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein
Former workers at paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s secret “baby-making” ranch have been questioned about visits by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor as part of an expanding criminal probe.
Over a dozen ex-employees from Zorro Ranch, including cleaners, ranch workers and long-term managers, are being interviewed by investigators from the state’s Department of Justice. They have been questioned about who stayed at the extensive New Mexico property and what they witnessed.
Sources reveal the former Duke’s visits were amongst the principal areas of inquiry. One justice source said: “They’re going back through everything. Anyone who worked there is being spoken to. They want a full picture of what went on.
Spearheaded by Raúl Torrez, the Attorney General of New Mexico, the investigation is a criminal inquiry in which detectives are scrutinising a broad spectrum of Epstein’s visitors, including Prince Andrew. They have pledged to pursue any evidence wherever it may lead, reports the Mirror.
“The staff have been asked about guests to the property. It includes the former prince who stayed at the ranch. Detectives are trying to build up a picture of what he, Epstein and others did while at Zorro.”
According to former workers and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who died last year, Andrew, 66, visited Zorro on multiple occasions. The former prince is alleged to have developed a close bond with a glamorous neurosurgeon while visiting the estate, who is also being sought for questioning by investigators. Zorro Ranch, a sprawling 10,000-acre estate outside Santa Fe, has remained cloaked in mystery for years. It was amongst Epstein’s most isolated residences, away from public gaze and seldom captured on camera. For decades, it has been the focus of conjecture regarding what occurred within its boundaries.
Ex-employees have revealed being approached and requested to provide comprehensive testimonies of their period at the ranch. Some have been quizzed about routine operations.
Others regarding prominent visitors and peculiar behaviour. One former worker revealed: “They’re asking about everything, particularly (former) Prince Andrew and the other high-profile guests. Who stayed, how long they were there, what they were doing. It’s very detailed. Nothing’s being brushed over.”
Those interviewed thus far have also been cautioned against disposing of any materials linked to their employment there. The former ranch worker continued: “We’ve all been told the same thing: don’t delete anything, don’t throw anything away. They want every single detail from our time there.”
The directive indicates investigators suspect crucial evidence may remain years following Epstein’s 2019 demise. This week, the cross-party investigative subcommittee in New Mexico examining Epstein’s existence appointed a specialist legal firm to assist its criminal investigation, which it launched in February.
The panel has confirmed appointing Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy and Conaway, P.C. as special counsel. The firm will assist in collecting evidence, offer legal advice and work closely with the state’s Department of Justice as the probe continues.
While most focus has previously been on Epstein’s estates in New York, Palm Beach and the Caribbean, Zorro Ranch has stayed a crucial element of abuse claims.
Personnel interviewed include those who operated within the main house as well as those tasked with maintaining the extensive grounds. Ranch workers, cleaners, administrative personnel and senior management have all been contacted.
“They’re casting the net wide,” the justice source added. “It’s not just one or two people. It’s anyone who might have seen something or remembered something important.”
Amongst the subjects of interest are visitor records, activity on and off the estate, and who possessed access to various sections of the property. Zorro Ranch has also been connected to deeply disturbing allegations about Epstein’s long-term plans for the location.
The former Duke of York has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse in a civil case in the United States. That case was later settled without any admission of liability.