Tucson, Arizona – A disagreement between local and federal law enforcement has surfaced in the ongoing search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her home nearly two weeks ago. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing scrutiny over allegations that he is hindering the FBI’s access to crucial evidence.
The case has garnered national attention, especially as Nancy Guthrie is the mother of a well-known news anchor. As the search continues, the dispute between the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI raises concerns about potential delays in finding the elderly woman and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
According to sources within the federal law enforcement community, Sheriff Nanos has allegedly declined to turn over key pieces of evidence to the FBI’s national crime laboratory. The evidence in question includes a black glove and DNA samples recovered from the Guthrie residence.
While the FBI’s Evidence Response Team (ERT) initially found the black glove near the Guthrie home, the standard procedure dictated that it be handed over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is the lead agency in the investigation. The sheriff’s department has chosen to send the evidence to a private laboratory in Florida for processing.
Federal officials have expressed frustration with this decision, arguing that it could slow down the investigation at a critical time. They believe that the FBI’s resources and national databases could expedite the identification of a suspect.
The disagreement appears to stem from several factors:
- Cost: Pima County has reportedly spent a significant amount of taxpayer money on private lab fees.
- Efficiency: Federal sources argue that the FBI’s capabilities offer a faster route to identifying the suspect.
- Jurisdiction: Sheriff Nanos maintains that as the abduction occurred in Pima County, his department has primary jurisdiction. Federal law typically requires local authorities to formally request FBI assistance in leading the evidence analysis.
Sheriff Nanos addressed the allegations in a recent interview, dismissing claims that he was obstructing the investigation. He stated that his decision to send all evidence to the Florida lab, which was already processing initial samples, was the most logical approach to ensure consistent comparison of markers and profiles.
“The FBI wanted to send one or two items they found. I said, ‘Why do that? Let’s send them all to where all the DNA exists,'” Nanos explained.
Despite the procedural friction, the focus remains on finding Nancy Guthrie. The FBI has released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual tampering with the security system at Guthrie’s residence.
Authorities are also investigating ransom notes, including a recent demand for a large sum of money in Bitcoin. However, the authenticity of these demands is uncertain, as there has been no proof of life established since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
The FBI has increased its reward to a substantial amount for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible.
The situation highlights the importance of cooperation between different law enforcement agencies, particularly when dealing with serious crimes. While local control and expertise are valuable, federal resources can often provide specialized assistance and broader capabilities. Finding a balance between these two approaches is crucial for effective law enforcement and ensuring justice for victims and their families. It is vital that political considerations do not impede the investigation.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the hope is that these procedural disagreements can be resolved quickly, allowing law enforcement to work together seamlessly and bring her home safely. The thoughts and prayers of the community are with the Guthrie family during this difficult time.
