New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard recently told Scripps News that she requested an investigation into public land surrounding the ranch after learning about a 2019 email included in newly released Epstein-related documents. The email, sent to a conservative radio host, claimed two girls were buried on public land leased near the ranch. The act was allegedly carried out at the direction of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking.

Asked about the allegation, Huffines said he assumed any investigation had been completed before the sale and would cooperate if authorities pursue additional leads.