Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing heightened scrutiny as the search for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly two weeks, continues. This public examination isn’t new for Nanos, who has found himself in controversial situations repeatedly over the past decade.
As he gears up for his 2024 re-election, which he narrowly won by a mere 481 votes, Nanos placed his rival, Pima County Jail Inspector Heather Lappin, on administrative leave. He also instructed her not to discuss the circumstances surrounding this decision, according to recent reports. Similarly, Sgt. Aaron Cross, another outspoken opponent, was placed on administrative leave after he publicly displayed signs critical of Nanos.
In a federal lawsuit against Nanos, Cross alleges that the sheriff “knowingly or recklessly” allowed employment litigation against him while infringing on his First Amendment rights concerning public discourse. This also touches on another lawsuit from Lapin, who claims Nanos retaliated against her career efforts after she announced her intention to run against him.
Lappin’s complaint details how she had volunteered to teach a portion of a police instructional program. While she had been fulfilling this role without issue in the past, her reprimand followed shortly after her political intentions were disclosed, which she describes as both surprising and unjust.
The situation escalated when she was unexpectedly transferred to the Pima County Adult Detention Center without clarification following her campaign launch.
As for the ongoing investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance, it has recently involved requests for neighborhood surveillance footage from the days leading up to her vanishing. While the local investigation continues, federal authorities have also been involved, examining potential digital evidence that could shed light on the case.
Nanos’ contentious history includes previous allegations of misconduct during his tenure, such as when a PCSD deputy was sexually assaulted at a holiday party, leading to public outcries for reform. Additional scrutiny came earlier when evidence showed that officers may not have investigated claims adequately.
Notably, the FBI had been probing Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for misuse of seized asset funds back in 2016, although Nanos himself was never charged.
The search for Nancy, who went missing from her home at the end of January 2026, continues as her case draws increasing attention. Efforts, including outdoor canvassing by law enforcement, highlight the severity of the situation, with the community and investigative bodies working together amid ongoing debates surrounding the sheriff’s actions and decisions throughout this crisis.
Nanos has publicly denied allegations of delays in involving federal authorities in the investigation. He contends that cooperation with the FBI is crucial, and he insists that there have been no hindrances in resource-sharing with federal law enforcement.
