Calls for Sheriff Nanos' Removal Amid Investigation Controversy
Efforts to Remove Sheriff Nanos Intensify
In Arizona, local authorities are taking steps to oust Chris Nanos, the sheriff in charge of the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Reports indicate that at least two members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors are preparing to submit a motion to vacate Nanos' position if he does not resign by Tuesday, which marks 100 days since Guthrie went missing from her Tucson residence.
This initiative is fueled by allegations that Nanos provided false testimony during a deposition related to an unrelated lawsuit. Officials assert that he denied ever being suspended while serving as a police officer in El Paso prior to his tenure with the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the 1980s. Dr. Matt Heinz pointed out that disciplinary records from the El Paso Police Department indicate Nanos had faced multiple suspensions for various infractions, including 'unnecessary violence' and tardiness.
Heinz stated, 'A unanimous decision from the disciplinary board at that time indicated that he could no longer serve as a police officer due to a range of issues. They concluded he was not meeting our standards and needed to go.' CBS News has reportedly acquired the records that outline these disciplinary actions. Heinz further claimed that Nanos has 'lost the community's trust' and should resign.
In response to the allegations, Nanos' attorney refuted the claims in a letter, arguing that the sheriff misinterpreted the deposition question, which pertained to disciplinary actions from a different agency outside the jurisdiction of Arizona's Peace Officer Bill of Rights. The attorney noted that Nanos later reviewed the transcript, acknowledged the misunderstanding, and communicated this to his legal team.
The push for Nanos' removal follows recent criticism from FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the management of the Guthrie investigation. During a podcast with Sean Hannity, Patel alleged that the FBI was excluded from the investigation for four days. In response, the Pima County Sheriff's Department issued a statement from Nanos, asserting that an FBI task force member was present the night Guthrie was reported missing, and that a joint press conference with the FBI was held two days later.
Heinz emphasized that the movement to remove Nanos is not connected to the Nancy Guthrie case. 'The Guthrie investigation has not played a role in this at all. It truly hasn’t,' he stated.