Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Faces Scrutiny Over Work History and Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Investigation

The questions address Nanos' prior representations of his employment with the El Paso Police Department, including any disciplinary history. They also inquire about actions involving Heather Lappin, a former lieutenant and political opponent whom Nanos placed on administrative leave during her 2024 campaign.

Additionally, the questions cover communications with federal immigration officials since 2021 and reasons for the department's repeated budget overruns.

came under pressure after The Arizona Republic reported that he misrepresented his work history on a public resume and in a sworn deposition.

The report stated that Nanos resigned in lieu of termination from the El Paso Police Department in 1982 due to disciplinary issues, two years earlier than he had indicated. A spokesperson for the sheriff's department described the discrepancies as administrative and not intended to mislead.

An independent review by the Pima County Human Resources Department found that Nanos used his office for political gain and violated conduct rules during his 2024 reelection bid.

Lappin filed a lawsuit against Nanos, alleging interference with her campaign. The Pima County Deputies' Organization, representing over 300 deputies, passed a no-confidence vote and called for Nanos' resignation.

Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home outside Tucson, Arizona, on January 31 and reported missing on February 1.

Authorities believe she was kidnapped. In February, the FBI released surveillance footage from a doorbell camera showing a masked man outside her front door on the night of her disappearance, whom they identified as a suspect. Investigators have not identified the suspect or reported significant breakthroughs since the footage release.

Nanos defended his department's handling of the case in an interview with News 4 Tucson.

“You cannot attack my department—attack the Sheriff, but you will not get by with attacking my department.”

A spokesperson for the sheriff's department stated that Nanos will respond to the questions within the allowed time. Matt Heinz, vice chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said the board expects a substantive response and could remove Nanos if he fails to comply.

“I believe that this board would be well within our legal rights to... vacate that office and remove him if he doesn’t comply with the statute.”

The deadline for Nanos' response coincides with the board's next meeting on April 21. A recall effort against Nanos is underway but described as long-shot.