Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County found himself facing scrutiny this week as discrepancies emerged in his publicly available resume. A local news investigation revealed a significant gap in his early career, prompting a swift update from the Sheriff’s Department.
Records indicate Nanos resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982, effectively avoiding potential termination. His previous resume, however, stated he remained with the department until 1984, a detail now acknowledged as an administrative error by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Department officials maintained the discrepancies were unintentional, stating they were not meant to mislead regarding Nanos’s work history. The revised resume now accurately reflects his departure from the El Paso PD in 1982 and corrects a promotion date to 2007.
The Arizona Republic’s report detailed a more complex picture of Nanos’s time in El Paso. He served as a decoy officer, deliberately attracting criminals, but his tenure was marred by allegations of “insubordination” and “consistent inefficiency.”
Internal records reportedly show Nanos accumulated 37 days of suspension over six years, stemming from accusations of excessive force, off-duty gambling, and repeated issues with punctuality and attendance. These details paint a stark contrast to the previously presented narrative.
When confronted with the inaccuracies, Nanos responded with defiance, dismissing the inquiry as a “hit piece” and suggesting the reporter focus on his childhood disciplinary record. This response further fueled public interest and scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding Nanos’s past unfolds as he leads the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie. The case has drawn intense media attention and public concern.
Nanos has faced criticism for his handling of the Guthrie investigation, including initial disagreements with the FBI regarding their involvement, conflicting statements to the press, and a public appearance at a sporting event while the family was appealing for help.
More than five weeks have passed since Guthrie vanished on February 1st, and authorities have yet to publicly identify any suspects or persons of interest. The investigation remains active, with no clear leads emerging.
A substantial reward exceeding $1.2 million is being offered for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI immediately.
The weight of the investigation, and the intense media scrutiny, appeared to visibly affect Nanos during a press conference earlier this month. He admitted to being unaccustomed to the level of public accountability surrounding the case.
