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Former New Mexico AG wants to step back into Epstein ranch investigations
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Alexandra Miller , KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 21, 2026
· 3 min read
Former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is offering to assist two ongoing state investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, marking his first official involvement in the matter since leaving office in 2022, he exclusively tells Scripps News. Balderas, who launched New Mexicos investigation in...
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Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Alexandra Miller, KXXV (ABC 25) News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Balderas, who launched New Mexicos investigation into Epstein in 2019, says federal authorities effectively shut his office out after he began pursuing evidence related to allegations connected to Epsteins Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.
Why this matters in The Waco
The renewed involvement of former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigations has implications for McLennan County residents who follow high-profile cases of sex trafficking and abuse. As a neighboring state, Texas has a vested interest in ensuring that justice is served for victims of such heinous crimes, regardless of where they occurred. The fact that Balderas' office was allegedly shut out by federal authorities after initiating an investigation into Epstein's activities at the Zorro Ranch raises questions about the level of cooperation between state and federal agencies in pursuing justice for victims. This development may also prompt local officials in Waco to reflect on their own protocols for handling similar cases, and whether they are doing enough to support victims of sex trafficking and abuse in their own community. The outcome of these investigations will be closely watched by many in the Waco area.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas is offering to assist two ongoing state investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, marking his first official involvement in the matter since leaving office in 2022, he exclusively tells Scripps News. Balderas, who launched New Mexicos investigation in...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexandra Miller at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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