Sheriff Under Scrutiny as Search for Missing Woman Continues
TUCSON, Arizona – The Sheriff of Pima County, Chris Nanos, is facing questions about his leadership as the search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, enters its second week. Guthrie, the mother of a well-known television personality, disappeared from her home in suburban Tucson, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the investigation.
Adding to the controversy, Sheriff Nanos was seen attending a college basketball game Saturday night. Photos obtained show him sitting near the front row. This occurred as Guthrie’s children posted on social media, pleading for their mother’s safe return.
An anonymous source criticized Nanos’ decision to attend the game, stating that it sends the wrong message during a sensitive investigation. “It doesn’t look good to be at a basketball game when someone’s mother is missing,” the source said.
Just after the game concluded, Guthrie’s children shared a heartfelt video. They appealed to anyone who might be holding their mother, expressing their willingness to do what it takes to bring her home. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” they stated, emphasizing the importance of her safe return.
Adding to the concerns, it has been revealed that a critical aspect of the search was delayed due to a disagreement between Sheriff Nanos and the pilot of the sheriff’s department’s search plane. Following the dispute, the pilot was reassigned, leading to a three-hour delay in the plane’s deployment. “Three hours in a search for a vulnerable adult is an eternity,” a law enforcement source commented.
The Pima County Deputy’s Organization publicly disagreed with the decision to transfer the experienced pilot, saying it left a crucial law enforcement asset short-staffed.
Sheriff Nanos himself admitted that early missteps were made in the investigation, including releasing Guthrie’s home as a crime scene too soon. Investigators later returned to gather additional evidence. Nanos acknowledged that the scene should have been secured for a longer time, and other agencies could have been called in sooner.
Sheriff Nanos’ actions have sparked criticism online, with some calling his leadership into question.
Nanos started his law enforcement career in 1976 with the El Paso Police Department. He later joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, working his way up through the ranks. He was appointed sheriff in 2015 but lost an election in 2016. He regained the position in 2020.
His recent reelection bid was also marked by controversy. He placed two opponents on administrative leave: Lappin, a lieutenant at the Pima County Jail; and Aaron Cross, the head of the Pima County Deputies Organization. Cross had protested Nanos by holding a sign that read “Deputies Don’t Want Nanos”. Cross later filed a lawsuit claiming Nanos violated his First Amendment rights.
These incidents raise questions about the sheriff’s ability to effectively lead during this difficult time. Citizens are encouraged to support law enforcement and respect their sacrifice to protect the community, while also holding leaders accountable for their actions. The focus now remains on finding Nancy Guthrie and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation. The community hopes for her safe return and justice in this concerning case.
