As a long time Texas voter for decades until recently, the Huffines name waves red flags from its connections to the Gov's personal agenda. If he's part of the Epstein Zorro coffer dam, that adds more weight to protection of a crime scene in my opinion.
Lynne Revis, I hear you. If you’ve watched Texas politics up close for years...names like that don’t land as “random buyer”...they land as SIGNAL.
And...you’re right about the core point: when a notorious property changes hands...it can function like a coffer dam...not because it proves anything by itself...but because it can control access...slow scrutiny...and reshape the ground under the banner of “private ownership.”
That’s exactly why it’s worth paying attention to the mechanics...what changed after the sale...what got renovated or removed...what permits got pulled...what earth got moved... and how quickly.
If the goal is accountability...the only sane posture is...document the transition and don’t let “real estate” become a blanket over a scene.
Jack, thanks for an excellent analysis! I hope that the New Mexico State Police have already secured the former Epstein ranch! I find it interesting that the Orange Monster “exonerated himself” today! I wonder if the upcoming New Mexico investigation entered into Trump’s proclaimed innocence???
M3333, I’m glad you dug the analysis...and yes, that’s exactly the right instinct: if there’s any serious review coming...the first priority is CONTROL of the site and preservation of context. That’s where credibility starts.
You’re also right to notice the timing. When someone “exonerates himself” out loud...it’s usually not because the story is over...it’s because he wants the public to feel like it’s over. If we have anything to do with it...and...we DO, it's anything BUT over.
As for whether an upcoming New Mexico move factored into the proclamation? I can’t claim insight into his internal calculus...but it’s a fair question to ask.
When pressure is building...you often see preemptive narrative-setting: get your version on the record first, then treat everything that follows as noise.
So the key isn’t his declaration. It’s what officials do next...quietly...methodically, and on the record.
Timely and fantastic article Jack! I think the New Mexico State Legislature is serious about investigating Zorro Ranch, or Huffines Holler as I like to refer to it. I’m thrilled they passed legislation so rapidly after the disclosure of the Huffines as the purchasers. With Bill Richardson out of the way they should be able to begin serious queries soon. Hoping they find some closure for the survivors, even if it is a slow, deliberate process, it will be well deserved in the end. Since the elimination of bodies is usually relegated to those lower in the chain of command, undoubtedly mistakes and carelessness will have occurred. This hasn’t proven to be the brightest bunch of sorry thieves to date. They’ve just been clever and manipulating. #HOLDFAST
New Mexico moving quickly caught my attention too. That kind of speed only happens when there’s real pressure....and real seriousness behind the scenes.
Whether the process is fast...or painstakingly slow...what matters is that it’s deliberate and documented. Survivors deserve that level of gravity.
You’re also right about something important: large operations that rely on layers of people tend to leave seams. Human systems break down. Paper trails surface. Someone talks. Something doesn’t line up.
Accountability doesn’t usually come in a dramatic flash... it comes through persistence.
We stay steady. We stay patient. We keep watching!
One of my favorite mystery authors started his series with an old murder that was exposed when the protagonist realized that someone tore up a beautiful line of trees and replaced them with a new outbuilding decades ago. And buried in the foundation....
That’s exactly how so many long-buried truths surface...not with a confession...not with a dramatic raid...but...with something small that doesn’t fit. A line of trees that never should’ve been disturbed. A foundation poured where there used to be open ground. A detail that nags at someone patient enough to notice.
Real investigations often hinge on those quiet anomalies. Land records. Renovation permits. Soil disturbances. Ownership transfers. What changed...and why.
And...just as importantly, what didn’t change.
Mysteries unravel...because someone keeps looking at the ordinary long enough...to spot the fracture in it. That’s persistence...not spectacle.
I appreciate you bringing that up. Sometimes fiction captures investigative truth better than headlines do.
If the property is located in New Mexico, the state Attorney General and the local district attorney BOTH have jurisdiction to pursue a criminal investigation under state law.
That includes the ability to seek search warrants from a state judge...if they can establish probable cause. A court-approved warrant could authorize a forensic search.
County sheriffs can also execute warrants once signed by a judge.
If the DOJ declines to act...that does NOT prevent the state from investigating potential violations of state criminal statutes. Federal and state jurisdiction operate independently. One...does not require the other.
That said, any forensic search would require:
*An open investigation
*Articulable probable cause
*Judicial authorization
It can’t simply be ordered politically...it must meet legal thresholds.
So the short answer: yes...the state can act on its own authority IF it believes state crimes may have occurred. Whether they will...depends on what evidence they believe they already have.
Smart question. These jurisdictional layers matter...a LOT.
Hi Jack, thank you, I must admit I got a laugh out of this. You wrote in ‘V. Structures The Overlooked Evidence Reservoir’, that “Fresh slabs poured at specific dates can be correlated with”, among other things, permits. We are dealing with a crowd to whom no laws whatsoever seem to apply and it will be funny to me if they respected any requirement for permits to be obtained.
When I say “permits,” I’m not assuming these people followed the rules. I’m saying permits...are one of several breadcrumbs that can exist...even when someone is trying to dodge scrutiny.
Two things can be true at once:
They ignore laws like they’re optional.
Big physical changes still tend to leave some kind of trace...a contractor...a materials order...a utility hookup...a dump receipt...a neighbor complaint...a satellite image...a rebar invoice...a concrete delivery ticket...a zoning variance request, an insurance inspection… something.
Sometimes...the smoking gun isn’t “they filed a permit.” It’s the absence of one...combined with evidence that the work happened anyway.
And...even lawless people have weak points: the normal businesses they rely on. Concrete doesn’t pour itself. Equipment gets rented. Somebody gets paid. Somebody talks.
So yeah...I’m not betting on their respect for permitting. I’m betting on the friction of reality...leaving seams you can pull on.
Jack is correct: Zorro Ranch isn’t a mystery novel — it’s a test of whether institutions can follow evidence instead of headlines. When a property is tied to someone convicted of trafficking and abuse, public concern is not hysteria; it’s reasonable. But history shows that accountability comes from methodical, empowered investigation — subpoena power, forensic preservation, independent oversight — not rumor or online speculation. If there’s nothing there, a real investigation will show that. If there is, only a lawful, transparent process will uncover it.
From Watergate to the exposure of entrenched abuse networks in other institutions, truth has emerged through documentation and due process, not viral threads. Supporting a serious, properly resourced inquiry isn’t about assuming guilt — it’s about protecting evidence, preserving trust, and ensuring that justice, whatever it reveals, can withstand scrutiny.
I am glad the property is in New Mexico and not in Texas.
Jack, this stirred my blood. I always wanted to be a geologist or archeologist, but was unequivocally told "that is not a vocation for females." And since I couldn't afford college it was a non starter anyway. But this! Oh to be young again.
I have never lived in New Mexico, but have hiked Utah's deserts for years. It always felt that when nature was ready to uncover truths, the rain and wind would expose the historical record of man's passing. And that is for things that happened centuries before. What happened at the Zorro property is current history, and with the modern technology and method you described, the desert would give up its secrets quickly. But I would imagine the cost would be staggering and the sheer size of the property would be an obstacle. And, if the perpetrators were smart - cunning yes, smart no (and they were not smart I don't think), they had hundreds of thousands of acres surrounding the place they could have used to bury the bodies, or simply dump them and let the scavengers take over.
I sincerely hope that Epstein and his merry band of depraved pedophiles, rapists and perhaps murderers are at least tried in the court of public opinion and their reputations and legacy trampled, and their victims both living and dead get justice.
Excellent, comprehensive analysis, Jack. I hold onto hope that the proper investigation will be done and that… if there was criminal activity… I have little doubt that there was… that a full and methodical investigation will bring accountability. Both the victims and the survivors deserve that. This country… beaten and battered by these horrific allegations… deserve that… even the world deserves and requires that.
Thank you, Jack. So glad I’m here where we get such in-depth analysis so that we don’t have to depend on the media or the government to feed us bits and pieces… or maybe no truth at all.
I read this morning that the New Mexico legislature voted UNANIMOUSLY to do the search of the property. This was done very quickly after the found out who bought the property
.I found this very uplifting that they are ready to go and find anything that will help the victims. thanks for this article Jack.
Maybe I’m being naïve, but is publicizing these processes giving those in charge of managing the property instructions on how to cover it all up, if they were of a mind to do that? Or would they have already done so if they knew about the history of the place?
As I read through your piece, Jack, it appears that any success at criminal concealment would hinge on whether it matches investigative thoroughness; or exceeds it.
Considering your detailed outline of methods to examine environmental disruption, a good coverup would need either a lot of savvy sophistication; or a lackluster investigative team.
It will be interesting to watch what happens at this ranch, as well as .. what *doesn’t*.
As a long time Texas voter for decades until recently, the Huffines name waves red flags from its connections to the Gov's personal agenda. If he's part of the Epstein Zorro coffer dam, that adds more weight to protection of a crime scene in my opinion.
Lynne Revis, I hear you. If you’ve watched Texas politics up close for years...names like that don’t land as “random buyer”...they land as SIGNAL.
And...you’re right about the core point: when a notorious property changes hands...it can function like a coffer dam...not because it proves anything by itself...but because it can control access...slow scrutiny...and reshape the ground under the banner of “private ownership.”
That’s exactly why it’s worth paying attention to the mechanics...what changed after the sale...what got renovated or removed...what permits got pulled...what earth got moved... and how quickly.
If the goal is accountability...the only sane posture is...document the transition and don’t let “real estate” become a blanket over a scene.
I'm glad you're here, Lynn!
-Jack
Jack, thanks for an excellent analysis! I hope that the New Mexico State Police have already secured the former Epstein ranch! I find it interesting that the Orange Monster “exonerated himself” today! I wonder if the upcoming New Mexico investigation entered into Trump’s proclaimed innocence???
M3333, I’m glad you dug the analysis...and yes, that’s exactly the right instinct: if there’s any serious review coming...the first priority is CONTROL of the site and preservation of context. That’s where credibility starts.
You’re also right to notice the timing. When someone “exonerates himself” out loud...it’s usually not because the story is over...it’s because he wants the public to feel like it’s over. If we have anything to do with it...and...we DO, it's anything BUT over.
As for whether an upcoming New Mexico move factored into the proclamation? I can’t claim insight into his internal calculus...but it’s a fair question to ask.
When pressure is building...you often see preemptive narrative-setting: get your version on the record first, then treat everything that follows as noise.
So the key isn’t his declaration. It’s what officials do next...quietly...methodically, and on the record.
-Jack
Timely and fantastic article Jack! I think the New Mexico State Legislature is serious about investigating Zorro Ranch, or Huffines Holler as I like to refer to it. I’m thrilled they passed legislation so rapidly after the disclosure of the Huffines as the purchasers. With Bill Richardson out of the way they should be able to begin serious queries soon. Hoping they find some closure for the survivors, even if it is a slow, deliberate process, it will be well deserved in the end. Since the elimination of bodies is usually relegated to those lower in the chain of command, undoubtedly mistakes and carelessness will have occurred. This hasn’t proven to be the brightest bunch of sorry thieves to date. They’ve just been clever and manipulating. #HOLDFAST
Elizabeth, Thank you for this. Truly.
New Mexico moving quickly caught my attention too. That kind of speed only happens when there’s real pressure....and real seriousness behind the scenes.
Whether the process is fast...or painstakingly slow...what matters is that it’s deliberate and documented. Survivors deserve that level of gravity.
You’re also right about something important: large operations that rely on layers of people tend to leave seams. Human systems break down. Paper trails surface. Someone talks. Something doesn’t line up.
Accountability doesn’t usually come in a dramatic flash... it comes through persistence.
We stay steady. We stay patient. We keep watching!
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
One of my favorite mystery authors started his series with an old murder that was exposed when the protagonist realized that someone tore up a beautiful line of trees and replaced them with a new outbuilding decades ago. And buried in the foundation....
Margaret Power...Love that reference.
That’s exactly how so many long-buried truths surface...not with a confession...not with a dramatic raid...but...with something small that doesn’t fit. A line of trees that never should’ve been disturbed. A foundation poured where there used to be open ground. A detail that nags at someone patient enough to notice.
Real investigations often hinge on those quiet anomalies. Land records. Renovation permits. Soil disturbances. Ownership transfers. What changed...and why.
And...just as importantly, what didn’t change.
Mysteries unravel...because someone keeps looking at the ordinary long enough...to spot the fracture in it. That’s persistence...not spectacle.
I appreciate you bringing that up. Sometimes fiction captures investigative truth better than headlines do.
-Jack
Who would have the authority to call for a forensic search? Can the stare do it, snce the US DOJ is out?
Elaine, great question.
Yes...the state absolutely has authority here.
If the property is located in New Mexico, the state Attorney General and the local district attorney BOTH have jurisdiction to pursue a criminal investigation under state law.
That includes the ability to seek search warrants from a state judge...if they can establish probable cause. A court-approved warrant could authorize a forensic search.
County sheriffs can also execute warrants once signed by a judge.
If the DOJ declines to act...that does NOT prevent the state from investigating potential violations of state criminal statutes. Federal and state jurisdiction operate independently. One...does not require the other.
That said, any forensic search would require:
*An open investigation
*Articulable probable cause
*Judicial authorization
It can’t simply be ordered politically...it must meet legal thresholds.
So the short answer: yes...the state can act on its own authority IF it believes state crimes may have occurred. Whether they will...depends on what evidence they believe they already have.
Smart question. These jurisdictional layers matter...a LOT.
-Jack
Hi Jack, thank you, I must admit I got a laugh out of this. You wrote in ‘V. Structures The Overlooked Evidence Reservoir’, that “Fresh slabs poured at specific dates can be correlated with”, among other things, permits. We are dealing with a crowd to whom no laws whatsoever seem to apply and it will be funny to me if they respected any requirement for permits to be obtained.
Mary E...Ha...fair point, and I laughed too.
When I say “permits,” I’m not assuming these people followed the rules. I’m saying permits...are one of several breadcrumbs that can exist...even when someone is trying to dodge scrutiny.
Two things can be true at once:
They ignore laws like they’re optional.
Big physical changes still tend to leave some kind of trace...a contractor...a materials order...a utility hookup...a dump receipt...a neighbor complaint...a satellite image...a rebar invoice...a concrete delivery ticket...a zoning variance request, an insurance inspection… something.
Sometimes...the smoking gun isn’t “they filed a permit.” It’s the absence of one...combined with evidence that the work happened anyway.
And...even lawless people have weak points: the normal businesses they rely on. Concrete doesn’t pour itself. Equipment gets rented. Somebody gets paid. Somebody talks.
So yeah...I’m not betting on their respect for permitting. I’m betting on the friction of reality...leaving seams you can pull on.
-Jack
Thank you.
Good stuff! Thank you Jack et al. 👍😊
Joe...I appreciate that. Thank YOU.
-Jack
Jack is correct: Zorro Ranch isn’t a mystery novel — it’s a test of whether institutions can follow evidence instead of headlines. When a property is tied to someone convicted of trafficking and abuse, public concern is not hysteria; it’s reasonable. But history shows that accountability comes from methodical, empowered investigation — subpoena power, forensic preservation, independent oversight — not rumor or online speculation. If there’s nothing there, a real investigation will show that. If there is, only a lawful, transparent process will uncover it.
From Watergate to the exposure of entrenched abuse networks in other institutions, truth has emerged through documentation and due process, not viral threads. Supporting a serious, properly resourced inquiry isn’t about assuming guilt — it’s about protecting evidence, preserving trust, and ensuring that justice, whatever it reveals, can withstand scrutiny.
I am glad the property is in New Mexico and not in Texas.
Jack, this stirred my blood. I always wanted to be a geologist or archeologist, but was unequivocally told "that is not a vocation for females." And since I couldn't afford college it was a non starter anyway. But this! Oh to be young again.
I have never lived in New Mexico, but have hiked Utah's deserts for years. It always felt that when nature was ready to uncover truths, the rain and wind would expose the historical record of man's passing. And that is for things that happened centuries before. What happened at the Zorro property is current history, and with the modern technology and method you described, the desert would give up its secrets quickly. But I would imagine the cost would be staggering and the sheer size of the property would be an obstacle. And, if the perpetrators were smart - cunning yes, smart no (and they were not smart I don't think), they had hundreds of thousands of acres surrounding the place they could have used to bury the bodies, or simply dump them and let the scavengers take over.
I sincerely hope that Epstein and his merry band of depraved pedophiles, rapists and perhaps murderers are at least tried in the court of public opinion and their reputations and legacy trampled, and their victims both living and dead get justice.
#HoldFast
Sue
Excellent, comprehensive analysis, Jack. I hold onto hope that the proper investigation will be done and that… if there was criminal activity… I have little doubt that there was… that a full and methodical investigation will bring accountability. Both the victims and the survivors deserve that. This country… beaten and battered by these horrific allegations… deserve that… even the world deserves and requires that.
Thank you, Jack. So glad I’m here where we get such in-depth analysis so that we don’t have to depend on the media or the government to feed us bits and pieces… or maybe no truth at all.
#HOLDFAST
~Susan
Exactly.
This piece was on Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez Substack page a very interesting tie-in to your piece.
https://drscottwmills.substack.com/p/the-silence-inside-the-chopra-epstein?utm_source=multiple-personal-recommendations-email&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=true
It's interesting that apparently nothing ever was looked at in this property in New Mexico that Epstein owned.
I read this morning that the New Mexico legislature voted UNANIMOUSLY to do the search of the property. This was done very quickly after the found out who bought the property
.I found this very uplifting that they are ready to go and find anything that will help the victims. thanks for this article Jack.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Maybe I’m being naïve, but is publicizing these processes giving those in charge of managing the property instructions on how to cover it all up, if they were of a mind to do that? Or would they have already done so if they knew about the history of the place?
Thank you, Jack. Well done.
As I read through your piece, Jack, it appears that any success at criminal concealment would hinge on whether it matches investigative thoroughness; or exceeds it.
Considering your detailed outline of methods to examine environmental disruption, a good coverup would need either a lot of savvy sophistication; or a lackluster investigative team.
It will be interesting to watch what happens at this ranch, as well as .. what *doesn’t*.
Thankyou Jack