Pima County Sheriff’s Hearing Scheduled Amid Investigation
The Pima County Board of Supervisors has unanimously decided to hold a public hearing for Sheriff Chris Nanos. This comes as the search for the missing Nancy Guthrie, who is the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, continues into its third month without any leads. The sheriff is currently facing scrutiny related to accusations of perjury and retaliation against employees.
Nanos’ portrayal of his early career has come under fire as officials look for answers regarding Guthrie’s disappearance. Critics are concerned about his handling of the case, particularly regarding the alleged abduction of the 84-year-old from her home on February 1. Furthermore, there are unrelated allegations of perjury linked to a deposition involving a recent First Amendment lawsuit filed by one of his subordinates.
The board’s decision means Nanos will have to address questions related to his employment history, internal management issues, and other leadership concerns within the sheriff’s department, based on public records.
Interestingly, Nanos has not commented on the board’s decision, but no allegations regarding the investigation into Guthrie were made during the meeting. There was, however, a discussion about legal counsel related to the claims against him.
In a recent deposition, Nanos stated he had never been suspended due to disciplinary actions while serving as a law enforcement officer. But records show that he was suspended multiple times in El Paso, Texas, for various issues such as excessive force and tardiness, before moving to Arizona in the early 1980s.
During his initial job application, he claimed he left the El Paso Police Department for personal reasons. The Pima County Deputies Organization, however, has pointed out that he didn’t disclose he resigned instead of being terminated—a significant detail that raises eyebrows.
There’s no set date for when Nanos will appear before the board, but the external counsel will be drafting a request due by April 7. Some experts believe that ongoing tensions between Nanos and local officials might hinder the search for Guthrie.
Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone warns that external pressure could lead to mistakes, which might affect the investigation team. He recalls advice from his own career promoting the importance of allowing detectives to work independently.
Previously, in a November 2024 meeting, the board discussed allegations against Nanos regarding his conduct during the election, including accusations of misusing his office against political rivals. After the election, Nanos placed two department employees on paid leave while an investigation took place regarding potential violations, raising further concerns.
The board has voiced worries about possible legal violations by Nanos, especially regarding the influence of his office on election outcomes and First Amendment rights.
