Sheriff's Warning Raises Concerns in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

Former FBI agent says sheriff's public statements have 'complicated' the high-profile investigation.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:35pm

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Sheriff Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson, Arizona, has faced criticism from a former FBI agent over his recent public statements regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Nanos revealed he believes Guthrie was 'targeted' and warned the community that her abductor could strike again, but refused to provide further details. The former FBI agent, Jason Pack, said Nanos' remarks have 'complicated' the case and 'raised questions' about the coordination between law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a co-host of the 'Today' show, has garnered significant public attention. Pack's critique of the sheriff's handling of the case highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must strike between informing the public and protecting the integrity of an ongoing investigation. The sheriff's statements have left the community 'uneasy' and raised concerns about the coordination between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI.

The details

According to the report, Sheriff Nanos revealed he has a theory on why Guthrie was 'targeted' but refused to share any further information. Pack, the former FBI agent, said this type of statement 'worries' the public without providing the necessary context. Pack also noted that in high-profile cases like this, law enforcement agencies typically work together, with the FBI bringing resources that a county sheriff's office may not have. He suggested that 'more discipline at the podium' and closer coordination with the FBI would better serve the investigation.

  • On Thursday, March 13, 2026, Sheriff Nanos made the statements that have been criticized by the former FBI agent.

The players

Sheriff Chris Nanos

The sheriff of the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson, Arizona, who has been leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Jason Pack

A former FBI agent and crisis communications practitioner who has criticized Sheriff Nanos' handling of the case.

Nancy Guthrie

A co-host of the 'Today' show who has been missing since February 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“From my experience as a crisis communications practitioner, where it gets complicated is when, in that same interview, he suggests the suspect could strike again. Once you put that out there, every person watching wants to know who's at risk and what they ought to do about it.”

— Jason Pack, Former FBI agent (Page Six)

“If you can't answer those questions, you probably shouldn't lead with that statement. A warning without context doesn't necessarily protect people. It worries them. And it sits a little uneasily alongside the 'targeted attack' framing he's also offered.”

— Jason Pack, Former FBI agent (Page Six)

What’s next

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains ongoing, and authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the case. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are expected to continue coordinating their efforts to find Guthrie and bring her abductor to justice.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of clear and coordinated communication from law enforcement during high-profile investigations. The sheriff's statements have raised concerns about the investigation's progress and the potential risks to the community, underscoring the need for law enforcement to strike a delicate balance between informing the public and protecting the integrity of the investigation.