Todd Blanche hit with lawsuit over Jeffrey Epstein probe; New Mexico alleges DOJ ‘obstructed’ case
Todd Blanche Hit With Lawsuit: New Mexico Accuses DOJ of Obstruction
Bharatmorningnews.com – Todd Blanche hit with lawsuit as the state of New Mexico files a federal complaint accusing the Department of Justice of obstructing its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The legal action targets both the DOJ and Blanche, alleging that federal officials have blocked access to critical information needed for the state’s probe into Epstein’s alleged crimes and associates.
Filed in Washington, DC, the lawsuit claims the federal government has “stonewalled” New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s investigation. According to The Associated Press, state investigators have been prevented from obtaining relevant records despite multiple requests for cooperation.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The complaint argues that the DOJ’s actions have “actively harmed victims and undermined the public interest” by restricting New Mexico’s ability to investigate allegations linked to Epstein’s former ranch in the state. Torrez reported that his office made 10 separate requests for information but received either no response or denials.
“We have heard repeatedly they will cooperate and what our team has experienced is anything but cooperation,” Torrez said during a video conference with reporters.
He also criticized Blanche’s role in the dispute, noting that the attorney could grant access with “a stroke of a pen” but instead federal officials have chosen to obstruct and conceal information.
The lawsuit positions New Mexico as one of the few remaining jurisdictions able to pursue accountability for Epstein’s associates and provide answers to survivors. The dispute centers on Epstein’s former estate in Stanley, New Mexico, which he purchased in 1993. The sprawling property, located around 30 miles south of Santa Fe, included a mansion, private airstrip and helipad.
The ranch became a focus of allegations involving Epstein and his former girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking charges and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Epstein died by suicide in a New York federal jail in August 2019 after being arrested on federal sex trafficking charges.
DOJ Response and Next Steps
The Justice Department rejected the accusation that it has improperly withheld information. In a statement, the department said it could not release certain records because federal court orders prohibit the disclosure of victim-identifying information “carte blanche.” It also said New Mexico had not provided a legal basis to justify broad disclosure of the requested materials.
The DOJ said protecting victims’ privacy remains a priority but added that it “remains available to assist New Mexico’s investigation consistent with the law and binding court orders.” The lawsuit comes amid renewed attention on the release of Epstein-related records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Justice Department began releasing documents related to Epstein and Maxwell in December, but the disclosures faced criticism from some accusers and lawmakers over heavy redactions and limited new information.
The DOJ and Blanche have not been accused of involvement in Epstein’s crimes. The department has maintained that its decisions regarding the records are based on legal restrictions and protections for victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Todd Blanche? Todd Blanche is a prominent attorney who has been involved in high-profile cases, including representing Jeffrey Epstein. He has been named in the New Mexico lawsuit alongside the DOJ.
What is New Mexico seeking in the lawsuit? The state is seeking court intervention to compel the Justice Department to provide requested materials related to its Epstein investigation.
Why is New Mexico’s investigation important? The lawsuit argues that New Mexico may be one of the few jurisdictions still able to pursue accountability for Epstein’s associates and provide answers to survivors.
Has the DOJ admitted wrongdoing? No. The DOJ maintains that its decisions regarding the records are based on legal restrictions and protections for victims, not obstruction.