Sheriff Nanos Leads Investigation into Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faces scrutiny as the high-profile case continues with few developments.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:24pm

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, 70, is leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie. The case has faced criticism and controversy, with some alleging Nanos is impeding the FBI's involvement. Nanos has 50 years of law enforcement experience and has served as Pima County Sheriff since 2015, though his tenure has not been without its own controversies, including allegations of misconduct during recent elections. Despite the challenges, Nanos says his focus remains on seeking justice and transparency for the Guthrie family.

Why it matters

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance case has drawn national attention, putting the spotlight on Sheriff Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The investigation's progress, or lack thereof, has raised questions about the department's competence and Nanos' leadership, especially as he has faced his own political battles in recent years.

The details

Nanos became the lead investigator on the case after Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona, which falls under Pima County's jurisdiction. The investigation has faced setbacks, with critics arguing that Nanos is hindering the FBI's involvement. Nanos has denied these allegations, stating that his focus remains on serving the victims and the community. The case has also been complicated by Nanos' own personal life, as he revealed that his brother passed away the day after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
  • Nanos' brother passed away in hospice the day after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, who has 50 years of law enforcement experience and has led the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Sgt. Aaron Cross

A longtime vocal opponent of Nanos, who has criticized the sheriff's handling of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Mark Napier

The former Pima County Sheriff, whom Nanos defeated in the 2020 election.

Heather Lappin

Nanos' opponent in the 2024 Pima County Sheriff election, who argued that Nanos' actions during the campaign hurt her chances of winning.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, our focus is on this investigation and serving the victims and this community. Internal or political commentary distracts from this active investigation, and it is very unfortunate. My focus remains on justice and transparency.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (Parade)

“Nanos is on an 'ego trip' and impeding with the FBI investigation into the case.”

— Sgt. Aaron Cross, Longtime Vocal Opponent of Nanos (New York Post)

What’s next

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has requested that the Arizona and U.S. Attorneys General perform an outside investigation into Nanos' conduct leading up to the 2024 election.

The takeaway

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance case has put Sheriff Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff's Department under intense scrutiny, raising questions about the department's competence and Nanos' leadership. The investigation's progress, or lack thereof, has fueled criticism and controversy, underscoring the challenges Nanos faces in balancing the high-profile case with his own political battles.