Controversy Surrounds Pima County Sheriff Over Missing Person Case
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing accusations of exploiting the ongoing investigation into a missing person case for personal gain. Specifically, he reportedly sought to boost his profile by participating in media events, including interviews, alongside Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
As the search continues for an 84-year-old woman who vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona, some reports suggest that Nanos may be acting out of a desire for “vengeance” against the FBI. In this context, it’s noted that the FBI would prefer to take over the case, but that decision lies with the family of the missing person.
Currently, the investigation lacks clear suspects or strong evidence, leaving the situation quite perplexing. Early in the case, Nanos engaged with the press, but his subsequent interviews with various journalists have resulted in mixed messages and confusion regarding the facts.
“The general feeling within our agency is that this has turned into more of an ego issue for Sheriff Nanos,” stated Sgt. Aaron Cross, who leads the Pima County Legislature Organization.
It’s worth mentioning that Nanos became head of the sheriff’s department in 2015, shortly before the FBI began looking into alleged abuses related to civil asset forfeiture within the department. While Nanos wasn’t directly indicted, the sheriff at the time faced charges and subsequently lost the 2016 election, a loss many believe was influenced by the FBI’s involvement.
In December 2024, Nanos secured re-election by a narrow margin, which followed a recount that highlighted the contentious nature of the race. He reportedly led his opponent, Republican Heather Lappin, by just 481 votes, a situation complicated by accusations that he suspended Lappin and another deputy supporting her.
Recently, reports arose claiming Nanos obstructed the FBI’s access to crucial evidence in the Guthrie case. It was alleged that sheriff’s officials prevented the FBI from examining gloves and DNA evidence found in Guthrie’s home. Instead, this evidence was sent to a private lab in Florida for analysis, thus raising eyebrows.
The search for Nancy Guthrie is now into its third week, with investigators keen to resolve the situation, though clarity has so far eluded them. The last known sighting of Guthrie was around 9:45 p.m. on January 31, after a family dinner, and she was reported missing the next day after failing to arrive at a friend’s house for an online church service.
