Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance and Sheriff Chris Nanos' Leadership Under Scrutiny

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman and mother of NBC "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2023. Authorities believe she was abducted, as her back door was found propped open and surveillance footage captured a masked individual tampering with her doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, is conducting the investigation, which has now entered its third month.

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Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced scrutiny regarding his past employment with the El Paso Police Department, where he resigned in 1982 to avoid a three-day suspension for insubordination. This resignation has raised questions about his credibility, especially after he stated under oath that he had never been suspended during his law enforcement career. His attorney, James M. Cool, clarified that Nanos misunderstood the question during his deposition, asserting that he has never faced suspension while serving in the Pima County Sheriff’s Department since 1984.

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Nanos' disciplinary history includes eight suspensions while at the El Paso Police Department for various infractions, including excessive force and making threats. These details have led to allegations of perjury and calls for accountability from the Pima County Board of Supervisors, which has demanded further clarification on his conduct and management of the department.

Inquisitr

As of April 22, 2023, Nancy Guthrie remains missing. The FBI is analyzing DNA evidence collected from her home, which includes hair samples. Sheriff Nanos has indicated that some DNA evidence is still "workable" and could lead to breakthroughs in the case. However, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the investigation continues to seek information from the public, offering rewards totaling over $1 million for credible leads.

Newsweek

Sheriff Nanos has defended his record and the investigation's integrity, stating, “We have some DNA that we think is still workable, and we have to work that.” His attorney emphasized that Nanos' past disciplinary actions are irrelevant to his current duties and that the sheriff has operated under budget in recent years. In response to the allegations of misconduct, Cool described the claims as “bad faith media reports” that misinterpret Nanos' statements.

Newsweek

Critics, including members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and former colleagues, have expressed concerns about Nanos' leadership and transparency. Sgt. Aaron Cross, president of the Pima County Deputies Association, has accused Nanos of misleading investigators and has called for accountability regarding his management practices. The board's ongoing inquiries into Nanos' conduct reflect a broader concern about his ability to lead the investigation effectively.

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The Pima County Board of Supervisors plans to discuss Nanos' report and the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance at their next meeting on May 12, 2023. The FBI continues to seek public assistance in the case, emphasizing the importance of serious and detailed information from the community.

Newsweek

• “It is 100% correct that Sheriff Nanos was never suspended during his four decades of decorated and faithful service with the Pima County Sheriff's Department ('PCSD'),” — James M. Cool, Attorney for Sheriff Nanos

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• “I just can’t share everything I know, but I will tell you this: We have some DNA that we think is still workable, and we have to work that,” — Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff

Newsweek

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains active, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uncover new leads and ensure accountability within the sheriff's department.

Newsweek