Former employees at Jeffrey Epstein’s secluded “baby-making” ranch are being questioned about visits by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor as part of an expanding criminal investigation. The state’s Department of Justice is interviewing over a dozen ex-staff members from Zorro Ranch, including housekeepers, ranch hands, and long-serving managers, to gather information on who frequented the vast New Mexico estate and what activities they witnessed.
The former Duke’s visits are a focal point of the inquiries, as authorities seek a comprehensive understanding of events at the ranch. Led by New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez, the investigation delves into a wide array of Epstein’s visitors, with Prince Andrew also under scrutiny. Investigators are committed to pursuing all leads provided by the evidence.
Reports suggest that Prince Andrew, 66, made multiple visits to Zorro Ranch, forming a close bond with a prominent neurosurgeon during his stays. Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim who passed away last year, alleged Andrew’s frequent presence at the property. The ranch, sprawling across 10,000 acres near Santa Fe, has remained veiled in secrecy, fueling speculations about its activities over the years.
Former staff members have been contacted to provide detailed accounts of their time at the ranch, shedding light on day-to-day operations, high-profile guests, and any unusual occurrences. They have been advised not to dispose of any materials related to their tenure, indicating investigators’ belief in the potential existence of crucial evidence post-Epstein’s demise in 2019.
The bipartisan investigatory subcommittee in New Mexico overseeing the examination into Epstein’s life has enlisted Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. as special counsel to facilitate evidence gathering and legal support for the ongoing criminal probe. While Epstein’s other properties have garnered significant attention, Zorro Ranch remains a pivotal focus in the abuse allegations surrounding the disgraced financier.
The broad investigation encompasses various staff roles at the ranch, including those overseeing the estate’s upkeep and administration. The diligent inquiry aims to capture any relevant information from potential witnesses, emphasizing the significance of Zorro Ranch in Epstein’s intricate network of associates and controversial plans for the property.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct allegations and has no recollection of encounters with Giuffre. Despite previous legal disputes, the investigation continues to explore connections to Epstein’s circle, including high-profile figures like former Brit Clare Iveagh. The New Mexico Attorney General’s office has been approached for official statements on the ongoing investigation.
