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Raúl Torrez Sues Department of Justice Over Alleged Stonewalling of New Mexico Epstein Ranch Investigation

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Justice and acting attorney general Todd Blanche on Wednesday, alleging the federal government has stonewalled the state's criminal investigation into the activities of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at his Zorro Ranch. The lawsuit argues that the administration's failure to provide unredacted files hinders the state's ability to hold Epstein's associates accountable and prolongs the suffering of survivors. While the Department of Justice has released records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, critics argue the files are heavily redacted and lack context. The administration announced that victims' privacy outweighs the request for sweeping disclosures, while Torrez maintains that the federal government has failed to demonstrate a commitment to survivors' rights. The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the Department of Justice acted illegally by refusing to hand over evidence. It also seeks to compel the department to comply with transparency laws and provide the necessary records to advance the state's investigation into the alleged abuse of girls and women at the ranch.

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