A storm of controversy is engulfing Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, as the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to compel him to answer questions under oath. The move comes amidst mounting allegations and a deeply unsettling case: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie, now missing for three months.
The board’s decision isn’t solely focused on the Guthrie investigation. A shadow hangs over Sheriff Nanos’s own past, specifically his account of his early law enforcement career. Discrepancies are emerging that threaten to unravel his carefully constructed narrative, fueling concerns about his integrity and leadership.
At the heart of the issue lies a recent deposition related to a First Amendment lawsuit brought by one of his own deputies. Nanos testified he had never faced suspension as a result of disciplinary action. However, records suggest a different story – a history of suspensions early in his career for issues ranging from excessive force to dereliction of duty and improper firearm discharge.
Further complicating matters, the sheriff’s initial application to the department allegedly omitted crucial details about his departure from the El Paso Police Department. Instead of portraying a resignation, documents suggest he left to avoid termination – a potentially disqualifying omission that has ignited outrage from the Pima County Deputy’s Organization.
The timing of this scrutiny couldn’t be worse, as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues to yield no answers. Experts warn that the intense pressure on Sheriff Nanos could inadvertently hinder the investigation, leading to critical errors and stifling the initiative of detectives on the case.
This isn’t the first time the Board of Supervisors has expressed concerns about Nanos’s conduct. Last year, they considered a censure over accusations that he targeted political rivals, including his opponent in the recent sheriff’s race, Lieutenant Heather Lappin, and union president Sergeant Aaron Cross.
While a formal censure was deemed legally problematic, the board unanimously requested investigations from both the state attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice, citing concerns about potential abuses of power and violations of First Amendment rights. The allegations centered on Nanos allegedly using his office to influence the election and retaliate against those who opposed him.
The board’s actions paint a picture of a sheriff facing a crisis of confidence, battling accusations of dishonesty and political maneuvering while a desperate search for a missing woman continues. The upcoming hearing promises to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the future of law enforcement in Pima County.
Outside legal counsel will be drafting the formal request for Nanos’s testimony, with a target completion date of April 7th. The weight of the allegations, combined with the unresolved disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, has created a tense atmosphere, leaving the community anxiously awaiting answers.
