The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, rests in the hands of a law enforcement veteran – Pima County, Arizona Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Nanos’ career began in 1976 with the El Paso Police Department, a commitment to public safety that has spanned nearly five decades. He transitioned to Pima County in 1984, initially as a corrections officer, quickly rising to the rank of deputy the following year.
For thirty years, Nanos dedicated himself to confronting the most challenging crimes: violent offenses, sexual assault, and the relentless fight against narcotics. His expertise propelled him through the department’s ranks, culminating in leadership roles focused on complex investigations.
By 2012, he led the investigative bureau, and two years later, he became chief deputy, honing his skills in managing large-scale operations and critical decision-making. This extensive background now guides the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Beyond his law enforcement duties, Nanos has a history of community involvement, serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson and as an executive member of the Southern Arizona Child Advocacy Center. He’s consistently recognized for volunteer work, including support for the Special Olympics.
Nanos was first appointed sheriff in 2015, a position he later fought to secure through hard-won elections. His 2020 victory was remarkably close, defeating his opponent by a mere 0.7% of the vote.
His subsequent reelection in 2024 was even more contentious, decided by a razor-thin margin of just 481 votes after a prolonged and disputed recount. The outcome was not without controversy.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Nanos placed a political opponent, a lieutenant at the Pima County Jail, on administrative leave, citing undisclosed reasons. A vocal critic and head of the Pima County Deputies Organization also faced similar action shortly after publicly campaigning against the sheriff.
The latter individual filed a federal lawsuit alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights, claiming the leave was retaliation for exercising his right to free speech. Reports also surfaced of a criminal investigation into potential election interference.
Nanos has also faced scrutiny regarding an internal investigation into a 2022 sexual assault involving a female deputy and a supervisor, raising questions about his handling of sensitive internal matters.
Currently, Sheriff Nanos oversees a vast operation encompassing 1,500 employees and 400 volunteers, responsible for the safety of over one million residents across a sprawling 9,000 square mile county.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fifth day, details remain scarce. Law enforcement has acknowledged awareness of potential ransom notes sent to media outlets, but the investigation remains shrouded in secrecy.
The case continues to unfold, placing immense pressure on Nanos and his department to bring answers and, hopefully, Nancy Guthrie home safely.
