Story perspectives

Pima Sheriff Criticized for Obstructing FBI Kidnapping Probe

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos obstructs the FBI's abduction investigation of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie.
He has sent DNA and a glove to a private Florida lab.
The county faces around $200,000 in costs.
Federal officials criticize the move as delaying the investigation.
Video footage shows a masked suspect tampering with a doorbell camera at Guthrie's Tucson home.

History

Historical Context

In 1978, the FBI faced significant challenges during the Chowchilla kidnapping case, where 26 children were abducted in California, leading to an investigation costing over $1 million. This historical tension between local law enforcement and federal agencies resonates today, as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos's obstruction of the FBI's investigation into Nancy Guthrie's abduction highlights ongoing conflicts that can delay justice and complicate investigations.

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Story summary

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos obstructs the FBI's abduction investigation of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie.
He has sent DNA and a glove to a private Florida lab.
The county faces around $200,000 in costs.
Federal officials criticize the move as delaying the investigation.
Video footage shows a masked suspect tampering with a doorbell camera at Guthrie's Tucson home.

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