Pima County Sheriff Faces Hearing Over Past Suspensions

Sheriff Chris Nanos accused of lying about his record as an El Paso officer

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs, the metallic surfaces reflecting the harsh, direct light of the camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the Pima County Sheriff's past conduct raises questions about transparency and accountability in law enforcement leadership.Pima Today

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has unanimously agreed to compel Sheriff Chris Nanos to appear at a public hearing, with outside legal counsel assisting as they probe his past discipline record, alleged perjury, and management of his department. The move comes as investigators enter a third month searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, who is believed to have been abducted from her home on Feb. 1.

Why it matters

The hearing will examine Nanos' past disciplinary issues, including allegations of excessive force and other violations, during his time as a police officer in El Paso, Texas in the early 1980s. Critics say these details conflict with Nanos' sworn testimony in a recent deposition that he had never been suspended.

The details

Records show Nanos was repeatedly suspended as an El Paso police officer in the early 1980s and resigned in lieu of being fired, details he allegedly omitted from his application to become Pima County Sheriff. The county deputies' union also accuses him of lying on his application by not disclosing that he resigned in lieu of termination.

  • Nanos joined the El Paso police force in 1976.
  • Nanos was named Officer of the Year in western Texas after he saved his partner's life in 1979.
  • Nanos was suspended or put on leave for a total of 37 days during his years with the El Paso force, including a 15-day suspension in early 1982 after he allegedly injured a suspect during an arrest.
  • Nanos resigned from the El Paso police force in 1982, two years earlier than a resume posted on the Pima County Sheriff's Department website states.
  • The Pima County Board of Supervisors has unanimously agreed to compel Nanos to appear at a public hearing, but the timing has not yet been set.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is facing a public hearing over his past disciplinary record as a police officer in El Paso, Texas in the early 1980s.

Pima County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that has unanimously agreed to compel Sheriff Chris Nanos to appear at a public hearing to probe his past discipline record, alleged perjury, and management of his department.

Pima County Deputy's Organization

The county deputies' union that has accused Nanos of omitting his disciplinary history from his application to become Pima County Sheriff.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie who is believed to have been abducted from her home on Feb. 1.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and the daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1.

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What they’re saying

“He did not disclose that he resigned in lieu of termination. Lying on your application would prohibit anyone from being hired.”

— Pima County Deputy's Organization

What’s next

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has not yet set a date for the public hearing where Sheriff Chris Nanos will be compelled to appear and answer questions about his past disciplinary record and alleged perjury.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement leadership, as the Pima County Sheriff faces scrutiny over his past conduct and potential dishonesty on his application. The outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for public trust in the sheriff's office, especially as it continues to investigate the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.