Pima County Sheriff Faces Scrutiny Over Work History and Handling of Missing Person Case

Supervisors demand sworn testimony from Sheriff Chris Nanos amid growing pressure to resign

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a sheriff's badge reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the scrutiny facing the Pima County Sheriff's leadership.The harsh glare of a police investigation shines a light on the credibility of Pima County's top law enforcement officer.Tucson Today

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing increasing scrutiny over his work history and the handling of the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. The county Board of Supervisors has required Nanos to provide sworn testimony about his prior employment and disciplinary issues, as well as questions about his department's coordination with federal immigration officials and budget overruns. Nanos has also faced calls to resign from the local deputy's union and a long-shot recall effort.

Why it matters

The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance has drawn intense public interest, as she is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Nanos' leadership of the case has faced criticism, while his own work history has come under scrutiny, raising questions about his credibility and the department's transparency.

The details

The Board of Supervisors is requiring Nanos to respond to a set of four questions within 10 business days, covering his prior work at the El Paso Police Department, any disciplinary actions involving a former political opponent, communications with federal immigration officials, and the department's budget overruns. An independent review recently found Nanos used his office for political gain during his 2024 reelection bid. Nanos has defended his department's handling of the Guthrie case, but faces growing pressure to resign amid the mounting controversies.

  • On January 31, Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home outside Tucson, Arizona.
  • On February 1, Guthrie was reported missing.
  • In February, the FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked suspect outside Guthrie's home on the night she disappeared.
  • On April 9, 2026, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to send Nanos a set of questions, giving him 10 business days to respond.
  • The Board's next scheduled meeting is on April 21, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is facing increasing scrutiny over his work history and the handling of the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation.

Pima County Board of Supervisors

The governing body that is requiring Sheriff Nanos to provide sworn testimony about his work history and other issues related to his department.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026. Her disappearance is being investigated by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Heather Lappin

A former lieutenant in the Pima County Jail who was a political opponent of Sheriff Nanos and has filed a lawsuit against him.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that this board would be well within our legal rights to… vacate that office and remove him if he doesn't comply with the statute.”

— Matt Heinz, Vice Chair, Pima County Board of Supervisors

“For 50 years, every sheriff here has had that. I can't listen to that. That's white noise.”

— Chris Nanos

“You cannot attack my department—attack the Sheriff, but you will not get by with attacking my department.”

— Chris Nanos

What’s next

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will hold their next scheduled meeting on April 21, 2026, at which time they will expect a substantive response from Sheriff Nanos to the questions they have posed.

The takeaway

The mounting controversies surrounding Sheriff Nanos' work history and handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie disappearance case have eroded public trust, leading to growing calls for his resignation and the possibility of his removal from office if he fails to comply with the Board of Supervisors' demands for transparency.