Controversy Surrounds Sheriff Chris Nanos Amid Nancy Guthrie Investigation

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has taken a controversial turn as Sheriff Chris Nanos faces accusations of misleading the public about his employment history. Local official Matt Heinz claims Nanos has committed fraud over decades, raising concerns about his disciplinary record and decisions affecting the investigation. As federal authorities analyze DNA evidence, the sheriff's past is under scrutiny, with implications for the ongoing case. This situation highlights the complexities surrounding law enforcement accountability and the challenges in high-profile investigations. Read on to discover more about the unfolding events and their potential impact on the case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 01:20 IST

Allegations Against Sheriff Nanos

A prominent local official has accused Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is overseeing the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, of misleading the public regarding his work history. Matt Heinz, the vice chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, stated that Nanos has "perpetrated a fraud" for decades. Heinz expressed his discontent, saying, "We should not know the name Nanos. He has perpetrated a fraud for four decades upon my community, and it is, frankly, it’s shameful and insulting to the 1,500 men and women of that amazing law enforcement agency that he heads currently every day he walks in the door."

Heinz further criticized the sheriff for making poor decisions and lying about his past. The board had previously requested clarification on Nanos' employment history, to which he responded this week. In a letter from the sheriff’s attorney, James M. Cool, it was stated that Nanos worked for the El Paso Police Department from 1976 to 1982 and resigned due to a disagreement with a supervisor regarding vehicle towing. The attorney also mentioned that an error on the department’s website had incorrectly indicated Nanos was employed until 1984, which was rectified once identified.

Heinz contested this narrative, claiming that the sheriff had "lied about that gap in time" and raised concerns regarding his disciplinary record. Reports from the Arizona Republic indicated that Nanos faced suspension eight times during his tenure in El Paso, including an incident where he was accused of assaulting a handcuffed suspect. Heinz remarked, "I mean, 37 days of suspension in El Paso, 15 of those days occurred after he beat, almost to death, a handcuffed robbery suspect who is in the back of a squad car with a flashlight. He’s a bad cop."

Cool dismissed these allegations, asserting that the sheriff had a "minimal disciplinary history" and that it was "irrelevant to the performance of his official duties." Heinz also suggested that Nanos’ actions might have impacted the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance, alleging that the sheriff held a grudge against the FBI and was reluctant to collaborate fully with them. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stated that it has been working with the FBI since the investigation began.

Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on January 31. Nanos indicated that there were signs at the scene suggesting she "did not leave on her own" and that she needed daily medication. In earlier statements, he mentioned that investigators believed she had been a victim of a targeted kidnapping. The investigation is still active, with federal authorities analyzing DNA evidence collected from Guthrie’s home. Reports indicate that this material includes hair samples that are undergoing further testing.

Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, clarified that the testing was not new, stating, "This is not new evidence or information. FBI asked to test this DNA two months ago with the same technology we’ve always had – when the local Sheriff instead sent it to a private lab. Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate." Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer noted that the outcome may hinge on whether the DNA can be matched through genealogy databases, emphasizing that it could take weeks or even months.

Investigators are also looking into other evidence, including a glove discovered approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home, although officials reported no matches in the national CODIS database. Nanos has confirmed that DNA recovered from the scene remains "workable" and that testing is ongoing.