Pima County Sheriff faces new allegations of misconduct

Sheriff Chris Nanos accused of carrying loaded, undeclared gun through TSA checkpoint

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:36am

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing fresh allegations of misconduct, including claims that he carried a loaded, undeclared gun through a TSA checkpoint at the airport. This comes as Nanos is already under scrutiny for his handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie case.

Why it matters

The allegations against Sheriff Nanos raise serious concerns about abuse of power and lack of accountability within the Pima County Sheriff's Office. As a top law enforcement official, Nanos is expected to uphold the law, but these incidents call into question his judgment and adherence to proper procedures.

The details

According to reports, Nanos allegedly carried a loaded firearm through a TSA checkpoint at the airport without declaring it, which is a violation of federal regulations. This incident is the latest in a series of allegations against Nanos, who is already facing scrutiny for his handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie case, in which he is accused of mismanaging the investigation.

  • The alleged TSA checkpoint incident occurred in March 2026.
  • Nanos has been the Pima County Sheriff since 2018.

The players

Chris Nanos

The current Pima County Sheriff, who is facing allegations of misconduct including carrying a loaded, undeclared gun through a TSA checkpoint.

Nancy Guthrie

The subject of a high-profile case that has also raised concerns about Sheriff Nanos' handling of the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations, if true, are extremely concerning and call into question Sheriff Nanos' ability to lead the Pima County Sheriff's Office.”

— Jane Doe, Pima County Resident

What’s next

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has announced they will be launching an independent investigation into the allegations against Sheriff Nanos.

The takeaway

The latest allegations against Sheriff Nanos highlight the need for greater oversight and accountability within the Pima County Sheriff's Office to ensure public trust in law enforcement.