YouTubers trespass at Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch, claim they were shot at

Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch in rural Santa Fe County has attracted attention from all over the world, with some even trespassing to explore the property despite it being illegal. (KOAT via CNN Newsource)

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) -- Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch in rural Santa Fe County has attracted attention from all over the world, with some even trespassing to explore the property despite it being illegal.

Three young men from Colorado admitted to illegally entering San Rafael Ranch, as it is now known by the new owners, to gather content for a YouTube video. They said they are lucky to be alive after claiming they were shot at by the ranch’s manager.

Zorro Ranch has caused quite a stir recently following the release of over a million files and the U.S. Department of Justice’s new investigation into Epstein’s activities there. This piqued the curiosity of three YouTubers from the Denver area.

Ali Atfi, Mercius Louis, and David Nguyen made the drive to Stanley last week. They admitted to jumping the fence of the property, which had clear “No Trespassing” signs posted, to take a look around. They sent cellphone video clips they took while approaching the infamous 13,000-square-foot mansion located on private property.

“We were just taking videos of everything outside from the windows,” one of the men said.

Shortly after, they said trucks drove up, and they ran.

“We’re, like, trying to go down the hill at this point. They’re like, come back up here,” said another.

Mercius became separated from the rest of the group and said he saw someone behind him.

“Next moment, I see his hand raised, I turn my head. Bam,” he said, motioning a gun being drawn.

He said a man fired a gun at him.

“I just kept running,” he said.

Eventually, all three were detained by staff and turned over to Santa Fe County sheriff deputies.

“We were just glad to make it out alive. And it, just like, we just rode home, went back home,” they said.

In the police report, the property manager admitted to shooting and killing a rattlesnake that morning.

However, when an investigator asked him if he fired a gun when the men were caught, he said he would “lawyer up” and not answer any more questions.

KOAT’s legal expert John Day said it is illegal to shoot someone for trespassing unless deadly force is being threatened. The police report said the three men had no weapons. Deputies looked into aggravated assault charges against the property manager, but the district attorney’s office found there wasn’t enough probable cause to pursue charges.

“Would you say your experience is a cautionary tale for other YouTubers who might have similar ideas to go out there?” they were asked.

“One-hundred-per cent. I don’t want anyone stepping near that ranch,” they replied.

Entering private property is illegal. The three men were hit with petty misdemeanor trespassing charges, and potential penalties include fines of US$500 and even jail time.

KOAT is still waiting for a comment from both the property manager and attorney for San Rafael Ranch.

By Jason McNabb.