Nancy Guthrie sheriff Chris Nanos logging short days in office as case languishes
The Arizona sheriff leading the search for missing Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show presenter Savannah Guthrie, has come under fire for his handling of the case. Chris Nanos, the Pima County Sheriff, has been criticized for spending more time at the gym than at his desk, with Nancy missing for 46 days and no significant leads in sight.
Despite tearful pleas for help at the beginning of the investigation, Nanos has faced backlash for contradicting himself in public interviews as the case has stalled. He has been spotted leaving his office only twice in a week, spending more time working out at the gym and cruising in his flashy Corvette Stingray.
Critics have accused Nanos of mishandling the case by releasing Nancy’s home as a crime scene too quickly, using a private DNA analysis company instead of collaborating closely with the FBI, and failing to deploy essential resources like search planes or cadaver-sniffing dogs. The sheriff is now facing a recall effort as the public deems his performance an embarrassment for the county.
Amidst mounting criticism, Nanos has insisted that investigators are getting closer to finding out who abducted Nancy. However, signs indicate that the case has gone cold, with the FBI re-canvassing Nancy’s neighborhood for footage from specific dates prior to her disappearance.
While Nanos has been missing from work and the public eye, Savannah and her family continue to work with investigators. The sheriff’s erratic behavior and contradictory statements in media interviews have raised concerns about his competence in handling the case.
Nanos has also faced scrutiny for not cooperating effectively with the FBI, sending DNA evidence to a local lab in Florida instead of using the agency’s facility in Quantico, Virginia. This decision has been criticized as detrimental to the search for Nancy.
In addition to the Guthrie case, Nanos is facing other problems, including a recall campaign led by a Republican congressional candidate and a lawsuit from an inmate at the Pima County jail. Rank-and-file police officers have issued a vote of no confidence in the sheriff, citing concerns about his leadership.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, questions remain about Sheriff Nanos’ ability to lead the investigation effectively. The case has garnered national attention, with Savannah Guthrie expressing frustration over the lack of progress in finding her missing mother. The community waits anxiously for answers as the sheriff’s actions come under increased scrutiny.
