Inmate Files $1.35M Lawsuit Against Arizona Sheriff Over COVID-19 Concerns

Christopher Michael Marx alleges Sheriff Chris Nanos endangered his life by not properly containing COVID-19 at the Pima County Jail.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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An Arizona inmate named Christopher Michael Marx has filed a $1.35 million lawsuit against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, accusing him of endangering his life by not properly containing COVID-19 at the Pima County Jail. Marx claims a sheriff's deputy was moving between quarantined and non-quarantined units without properly disinfecting, putting inmates at risk of contracting the virus.

Why it matters

This lawsuit adds to the growing scrutiny and criticism surrounding Sheriff Nanos' handling of high-profile cases, including the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The lawsuit raises concerns about COVID-19 protocols in the county jail system and could further damage Nanos' reputation as a law enforcement leader.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Marx claims a sheriff's deputy was moving between a quarantined unit and a non-quarantined unit at the Pima County Jail without properly disinfecting, which he says put his life in jeopardy. Marx says he could have contracted COVID-19 and potentially died as a result. The lawsuit alleges Nanos was not ensuring his deputies were taking proper precautions to contain the virus within the jail.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 5, 2026.
  • Marx was found guilty of shoplifting in late 2024.

The players

Christopher Michael Marx

An inmate at the Pima County Jail who filed the $1.35 million lawsuit against Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Sheriff Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and is now facing a lawsuit from an inmate over COVID-19 protocols at the county jail.

William John Parven

The attorney representing inmate Christopher Michael Marx in the lawsuit against Sheriff Nanos.

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What they’re saying

“This deputy was going back and forth working both units; our unit was on lockdown because this deputy was working both units.”

— Christopher Michael Marx, Inmate (Lawsuit)

“I could have caught COVID-19, and I could have died.”

— Christopher Michael Marx, Inmate (Lawsuit)

What’s next

Neither the Pima County Sheriff's Department nor Sheriff Nanos has yet commented on the lawsuit. The sheriff and his department continue to investigate the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about COVID-19 protocols in the Pima County Jail system and adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding Sheriff Nanos' leadership, which has already been criticized for his handling of high-profile cases like the Nancy Guthrie disappearance.