Sheriff Investigating Nancy Guthrie Case Faces Deadline Amid Troubling Past

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, continues 80 days after she disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, AZ.

While Guthrie remains the topic of conversation in the region, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is stealing some of the headlines today.

Late last month, the Board of Supervisors in the county voted unanimously to compel Nanos to answer questions about whether he misrepresented his record as a young police officer in El Paso, TX - which he must answer today, April 21.

Sheriff Chris Nanos Could Be Removed, Depending on Testimony

Supervisors attempted to find a path that would help them remove Nanos from office if he did not comply with their demands, according to a report from the Arizona Republic.

Through a spokesperson, the sheriff said he would provide questions in writing that were penned by an attorney.

“Sheriff Nanos, through his counsel, will provide responses within the allotted timeframe. Out of respect for this process, he has no further comment at this time,” spokesperson Brittany Abarr said.

Chris Nanos Faces Questions Regarding Troubling Past

Nanos faces a number of tough questions. In addition to his questionable choices during the investigation for the missing Nancy Guthrie, Nanos also came under fire for putting a political opponent, Republican Heather Lappin on administrative leave just weeks before beating her by fewer than 500 votes.

Furthermore, Arizona Republic obtained new records that show Nanos was suspended eight times as a young officer in Texas.

In one case, Nanos was taken off the job for beating a handcuffed suspect until the man suffered blood loss and was admitted to a hospital, a suspension notice showed. 

“Your reactions went beyond reasonable force. With your fist, you struck subject Urias several times," the report said, after Nanos thrust a suspect against a police car, causing a sizable cut on the suspect's forehead. "You next effected a headlock on the subject, bending him at the waist. You also kicked the subject and finally threw him against the police car where he bounced and fell to the ground. It should be noted that the subject was still handcuffed throughout this incident."

Nanos reportedly got into a dispute with a supervisor that eventually led to his decision to resign in lieu of termination from El Paso police in 1982. 

In further communication, Abarr said, “Sheriff Chris Nanos remains committed to full compliance and will continue to operate with openness and transparency moving forward. His priority remains maintaining public trust and serving the community with integrity."

The sheriff will reportedly respond to questions today.

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