New Mexico Sues Justice Department Over Epstein Investigation Access

Why it matters locally: The lawsuit, filed against the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, involves a federal agency headquartered in the District of Columbia.

---

Santa Fe, N.M. — The state of New Mexico initiated legal action against the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday. New Mexico claims the federal government hindered its efforts to investigate sex crimes involving financier Jeffrey Epstein at a ranch located in the state. The lawsuit asserts federal interference prevented New Mexico authorities from pursuing their own inquiry into Epstein's alleged activities within the state's jurisdiction.